Relationship Between Antibiotic Resistance Patterns and O-Serogroups in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Iraqi Patients

Background: The O-antigen is one of the uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) virulence factors used as a biomarker to classify E. strains. Objectives: In this study, relationship between antibiotic resistance patterns and O-serogroups was investigated in UPEC strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) southern Iraq. Methods: A total 100 isolates urine specimens UTIs within age range 4 months 78 years various Iraqi hospitals were collected (May 2017 January 2018) confirmed using biochemical tests (e.g., Analytical Profile Index 20E). Antibiotic susceptibility performed disk diffusion method according Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. multiple polymerase chain reaction technique applied investigate prevalence O-serogroups. Results: most frequent serogroups O8 (27.7%) O25 (24.4%); however, serogroup O83 not observed samples. Serogroups O75, O6, O16, O18 had lowest frequency (1.1%) among examined isolates. Furthermore, 10% did belong any serogroups. phenotypic showed that highest belonged piperacillin (92%) imipenem (5%), respectively. O4 O21 drug resistance; nevertheless, O18, O1 resistance. Additionally, 94% resistant three or more classes antibiotics. Conclusions: According results, high common antibiotics; they sensitive amikacin. Moreover, There direct antimicrobial