Characterization of Quinolone Resistance Genes in Gram-Negative Bacilli Isolated from Pus and Vaginal Swabs at Saint Camille Hospital, Ouagadougou (HOSCO), Burkina Faso

<i>Introduction: </i>Antibiotic resistance, particularly to quinolones, represents a major public health concern in Burkina Faso. In recent decades, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) mechanisms have emerged, especially among Gram-negative bacteria. These mechanisms include, among others, <i>qnr</i> genes (<i>qnrA</i>, <i>qnrB</i>, <i>qnrS</i>). This study aimed to investigate the presence of quinolone resistance determinants in Gram-negative bacilli isolated from pus and vaginal samples at Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO). <i>Methodology: </i>A total of 19 strains of <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolated from pus and vaginal swabs were collected for bacteriological and molecular analysis. Four antibiotics, namely ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NOR), ofloxacin (OF) and levofloxacin (LEV) were used for sensitivity testing and molecular analysis focused on the detection of qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS type genes. <i>Results: </i>Resistance rates to CIP, NOR, OF, and LEV were 57.89%, 52.63%, 52.63%, and 31.37%, respectively. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of <i>qnrB</i>, and <i>qnrS</i> genes in 28.47% of the isolates, for each gene. The <i>qnrA</i> gene was not detected in any isolate. The analysis of the genetic support of resistance genes revealed that 50% of the <i>qnrS</i> genes were plasmid-borne, while only 25% of the <i>qnrB</i> genes were associated with plasmids. La Correlation analysis between resistance genes and antibiotics showed a moderate positive correlation between <i>qnrB</i> and NOR/LEV, thereby suggesting the involvement of <i>qnrB</i> in resistance to these antibiotics. <i>Conclusion: </i>These findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates.