Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of β-Lactamase and Quinolone Resistance Genes in Imipenem-Non-Susceptible Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) Isolates

A high prevalence of β-lactamase and <i>qnr</i> determinants was observed among imipenem-non-susceptible UPEC, primarily driven by <i>blaTEM</i> and <i>qnrB</i>, frequently detected in B2 isolates. The co-occurrence and correlation of multiple resistance genes highlight the complexity of resistance architectures and underscore the need for ongoing molecular surveillance and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship to limit the dissemination of resistant UPEC.