Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Biofilm Producing Escherichia coli of Urinary Tract Infections

Biofilm-producing antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Indian patients: a comprehensive review

For the past few years, microbial biofilms have been emerging as a significant threat to the modern healthcare system, and their prevalence and antibiotic resistance threat gradually increase daily among the human population. The biofilm has a remarkable impact in the field of infectious diseases, in particular healthcare-associated infections related to indwelling devices such as catheters, implants, artificial heart valves, and prosthetic joints. Bacterial biofilm potentially adheres to any biotic or abiotic surfaces that give specific shelter to the microbial community, making them less susceptible to many antimicrobial agents and even resistant to the immune cells of animal hosts. Around thirty clinical research reports available in PUBMED have been considered to establish the occurrence of biofilm-forming bacteria showing resistance against several regular antibiotics prescribed against infection by clinicians among Indian patients. After the extensive literature review, our observation exhibits a high predominance of biofilm formation among bacteria such as Escherichia sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Pseudomonas sp., those are the most common biofilm-producing antibiotic-resistant bacteria among Indian patients with urinary tract infections and/or catheter-related infections, respiratory tract infections, dental infections, skin infections, and implant-associated infections. This review demonstrates that biofilm-associated bacterial infections constantly elevate in several pathological conditions along with the enhancement of the multi-drug resistance phenomenon.

Isolation, Identification, Characterization, and Plasmid Profile of Urinary Tract Infectious Escherichia coli from Clinical Samples

Objective

In recent times, urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most widely recognized bacterial diseases all over the planet. UTI influences individuals of any age and gender. The target of this study is to concentrate on the recurrence of uropathogens, the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates, and the plasmid profile of people from the government clinics of Karaikudi.

Methods

From July 2017 to December 2017, 100 urine tests were gathered and handled for the isolation of pathogenic microbes. In total, 89 isolates were found from the samples collected.

Results

Escherichia coli was discovered as the most common bacterial isolate screened from the UTI-infected people, accounting for 28.09 percent of all isolates. E. coli was seen to be the highest prevalent bacterium for UTI in all age groups and demonstrated resistance to routinely used medications, especially cefpodoxime and novobiocin, which have been 100 percent resistant. The E. coli isolates screened were positive for beta-lactamase and film generation, and they have strong antimicrobial resistance. As a result, the E. coli strains with the highest prevalence of virulence determinants have become more resistant to many medications because they support the microorganism in overcoming the host's defense and colonizing or entering the urinary system. The amplified 16S rRNA product was analyzed, and phylogenetic relationships were determined. The presence of TEM (56 percent), CTX-M (64 percent), SHV (40 percent), and OXA (60 percent) was discovered. Among E. coli isolates, CTX-M was the most common extended spectrum-beta lactamase (ESBL). Multiplex PCR was also used to identify the existence of CTX-M subgroups in E. coli isolates.

Conclusion

Finally, we urge that antibiotic selection should be predicated on the awareness of the specific prevalence and that novel antimicrobial medicines for urinary infections be developed to combat the overuse of antibiotics.

High rates of antibiotic resistance and biofilm production in Escherichia coli isolates from food products of animal and vegetable origins in Tunisia: a real threat to human health

The aim of this study was to compare the antibiotic susceptibility of eighty Escherichia coli isolates from vegetables and food products of animal origin in Tunisia, and to study their genes encoding antibiotic resistance and in vitro biofilm forming capacity. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined, as well as PCR investigation of genes associated with antibiotic resistance. Biofilm formation was tested using four different methods: the microtiter plate-, MTT-staining-, XTT-staining-, and the Congo Red Agar assays. High antibiotic resistance rates were observed for amoxicillin (68.7%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (73.7%), gentamicin (68.7%), kanamycin (66.2%), nalidixic acid (36.2%), streptomycin (68.7%) and tetracycline (35%). The majority of isolates was multidrug resistant and biofilm producer. MTT testing showed that vegetables isolates were significantly higher biofilm producers compared to foods of animal origins. This study showed that E. coli isolates from food products were reservoirs of genes encoding antibiotic-resistance and have a high propensity to produce biofilm.

Characterization of biofilm formation and reduction of hexavalent chromium by bacteria isolated from tannery sludge

Biofilm formation ability of bacteria makes them potential in the field of tannery effluent treatment. However, the hazardous nature of effluent and environmental conditions may disturb the biofilm formation ability of bacteria which ultimately affects their effluent treatment efficiency. Accordingly, we isolated and characterized biofilm-forming bacteria Bacillus vallismortis (MT027009), Bacillus haynesii (MT027008), and Alcaligenes aquatilis (MT027005) from tannery sludge and examined them for biofilm formation under variable environmental conditions. Biofilm formation in tryptic soy broth (TSB) at different incubation times (24-120 h) revealed that the biofilm formation activity of the strain B. haynesii was not affected by incubation time, whereas the increase in biofilm formation was observed in the case of B. vallismortis (28 %) and A. aquatilis (52 %) after 48 h. The medium pH (pH 5.0-9.0) had a limited effect on biofilm formation except in the case of A. aquatilis at pH 5.0 (94 %) and pH 9.0 (80 %). Furthermore, compared to the controls (only TSB), the strains B. vallismortis, B. haynesii, and A. aquatilis showed enhanced biofilm formation in undiluted tannery effluent (28, 33, and 21 %) and 25 mg L^-1 Cr(VI) (23 %, 48 % 32 %). The biofilm structure was influenced by Cr(VI) as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results of Cr(VI) bioreduction studies suggest that bacterial biofilm (60-99 %) has a greater potential to remove Cr(VI) than planktonic cells (43-94 %). The results of the study provide important data on biofilm formation by indigenous bacteria in effluent environment conditions, making them potential isolates for tannery effluent treatment.

Bacterial Profile of Urinary Tract Infections: Evaluation of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common complaints in the outpatient clinic and a major health problem owing to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the causative bacterial agent of UTI and detect in vitro biofilm formation by Escherichia coli and investigate its correlation with antibiotic resistance. Urine samples from 519 patients with suspected UTIs were collected and processed by conventional microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for E. coli isolates was performed on Mueller Hinton agar (MHA) plates using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Biofilm production was evaluated using the tissue culture plate method. Of 519 urine samples, 115 (22.1%) showed significant bacteriuria. The most common isolate was E. coli (n=57, 49.6%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (n=23, 20%). All E. coli isolates were evaluated for their ability to form biofilms in vitro. Of 57 isolates, 50 (87.7%) were biofilm producers and 7 (12.3%) were non-biofilm producers. Antibiogram of E. coli isolates revealed the highest resistance to ampicillin (96.5%) and nitrofurantoin (91.2%), followed by amoxyclav (82.5%), ceftazidime (73.7%), cefepime (71.9%), and tetracycline (71.9%). A significant association (p<0.05) was observed between biofilm formation and resistance to amoxyclav, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, and nitrofurantoin. A significant correlation was noted between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance. Hence, screening of all isolates of uropathogenic E. coli for biofilm production and studying their antibiogram would allow appropriate choice of antibiotic therapy.

Reciprocal Cooperation of Type A Procyanidin and Nitrofurantoin Against Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) UPEC: A pH-Dependent Study

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) accounts for the majority of complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The use of phytomolecules in the treatment of UTI is fast gaining attention. The current report identifies a multidrug-resistant strain (QSLUPEC7), which is a strong biofilm producer, among the considered clinical isolates. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity was evaluated for the phytomolecule, Type A procyanidin (TAP) from Cinnamomum zeylanicum against QSLUPEC7. TAP treatment did not affect the growth of the MDR strain but affected the biofilm formation (~70% inhibition). The confocal microscopic examination reveals the biofilm inhibition and the live cells in the biofilm corroborates the antimicrobial results. Further, the synergy studies of TAP and nitrofurantoin (NIT) were carried out at different pH. TAP acts synergistically with nitrofurantoin at different pH considered. A closer look in the results reveals that at pH 5.8, maximum growth inhibition is recorded. The gene expression analysis shows that TAP alone and in combination with NIT downregulates the major fimbriae adhesins of UPEC. The results conclude that the TAP has an antibiofilm activity against the multidrug-resistant strain of UPEC, without affecting the growth. Also, TAP reciprocally cooperates with nitrofurantoin at different pH by downregulating the adhesins of UPEC.

Outcome of acute urinary tract infections caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli with phenotypically demonstrable virulence factors

Background:

Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains is one of the most important community-acquired infections in the world. The presence of virulence factors is closely related with the pathogenesis of UTI.

Methods:

The present study was conducted on 150 isolates of UPEC obtained from symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of UTIs with significant counts (≥10⁵ CFU/ml) during 1 year. UPEC isolates were studied for hemolysis on 5% sheep blood agar, mannose-sensitive hemagglutination (MSHA), mannose-resistant hemagglutination (MRHA), and biofilm formation by recommended methods. Patients with UTI due to UPEC showing virulence factors were evaluated for the treatment received and the outcome of treatment. These were compared with the outcomes of patients whose culture samples grew UPEC without demonstrable virulence factors.

Results:

The study showed hemolysin production in 40% of the isolates. Forty percent of the isolates showed the presence of P fimbriae (MRHA) and 60% showed Type 1 fimbriae (MSHA). Biofilm formation capacity of all UPEC isolates was classified into three categories, strong biofilm producers (4%), moderate biofilm producers (88%), and nonbiofilm producers (8%). Patients harboring all three virulence factors showed 76% recovery compared to patients harboring strains with no demonstrable virulence factors, who showed 100% recovery.

Conclusion:

The present study has shown the production of various virulent factors and developing drug resistance in UPEC. Treatment outcomes of patients harboring strains with no virulence factors seem to be better than the ones which contain multiple virulence factors. UPEC occurs because of multiple virulence factors. Biofilm formation and MRHA are more likely to be seen in catheterized patients. The drug resistance among UPEC is on rise; therefore, the selection of appropriate antibiotics (after antibiotic susceptibility testing) is must for proper treatment of patients and to avoid emergence of drug resistance. Significant number of the UPEC isolates was sensitive to nitrofurantoin, and half of the isolates were sensitive to cotrimoxazole, so treatment is by giving these drugs orally.

Comparative study of isolates from community-acquired and catheter-associated urinary tract infections with reference to biofilm-producing property, antibiotic sensitivity and multi-drug resistance

PURPOSE

Urinary tract infection (UTI) can be community-acquired (Com-UTI) or catheter-associated (CAUTI) and may be associated with biofilm-producing organisms. A comparative analysis of biofilm-producing property (BPP), antibiotic-sensitivity and multi-drug resistance (MDR) and their relation with the BPP of isolates from Com-UTI and CAUTI has not yet been performed and necessitated this study.

METHODOLOGY

OBJECTIVES

(1) isolation of bacteria from CAUTI and Com-UTI and identification of their BPP, antibiotic-sensitivity and MDR status; (2) comparison of the isolates from CAUTI and Com-UTI as regards BPP, MDR status and their relation with BPP.

METHOD

isolates from 100 cases each of Com-UTI and CAUTI were subjected to Congo redagar (CRA) and Safranin tube tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was investigated using the disc diffusion method. Both groups were compared regarding BPP, drug sensitivity and MDR status. Statistical analyses were performed using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

76.19 % of isolates from Com-UTI and 60.72 % from CAUTI had BPP (P=0.0252; significant). The Safranin tube test detected more isolates with BPP than the CRA test. MDR is greater in CAUTI than Com-UTI (83.33 % versus 64.76 %; P=0.0039; significant). MDR is greater in isolates with BPP in both Com-UTI and CAUTI (76.47 and 62.35 %; non-significant).

CONCLUSIONS

BPP was found in both Com-UTI and CAUTI. When used together, the Safranin tube test and the CRA test increased the sensitivity of detecting BPP. MDR was higher in CAUTI than Com-UTI. MDR and BPP are not interrelated or associated, especially in settings where it is not certain that isolates were obtained from a well-formed biofilm. However, this does not rule out a higher incidence or prevalence of MDR in isolates with BPP taken directly from the biofilms.

Phenotypic Assays to Determine Virulence Factors of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) Isolates and their Correlation with Antibiotic Resistance Pattern

OBJECTIVES

Urinary tract infection caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains is one of the most important infections in the world. UPEC encode widespread virulence factors closely related with pathogenesis of the bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of different phenotypic virulence markers in UPEC isolates and determine their correlation with antibiotic resistance pattern.

METHODS

UPEC isolates from patients with different clinical symptoms of UTI were collected and screened for biofilm and hemolysin production, mannose resistant, and mannose sensitive hemagglutination (MRHA and MSHA, respectively). In addition, antimicrobial resistance pattern and ESBL-producing isolates were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 156 UPEC isolates, biofilm and hemolysin formation was seen in 133 (85.3%) and 53 (34%) isolates, respectively. Moreover, 98 (62.8%) and 58 (37.2%) isolates showed the presence of Types 1 fimbriae (MSHA) and P fimbriae (MRHA), respectively. Our results also showed a relationship between biofilm formation in UPEC isolated from acute cystitis patients and recurrent UTI cases. Occurrence of UTI was dramatically correlated with the patients' profiles. We observed that the difference in antimicrobial susceptibilities of the biofilm and nonbiofilm former isolates was statistically significant. The UPEC isolates showed the highest resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, amoxicillin, and cotrimoxazole. Moreover, 26.9% of isolates were ESBL producers.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that there is a relationship between the phenotypic virulence traits of the UPEC isolates, patients' profiles, and antibiotic resistance. Detection of the phenotypic virulence factors could help to improve understanding of pathogenesis of UPEC isolates and better medical intervention.

Multiple antibiotic resistance indexing of Escherichia coli to identify high-risk sources of faecal contamination of water

We evaluated the antibiogram profile of Escherichia coli (n = 300) isolated from selected rivers in Osun State, Nigeria. The identities of the E. coli isolates were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Susceptibility of the isolates to 20 antibiotics conventionally used in clinical cases was assessed in vitro by the standardized agar disc-diffusion method. All the isolates were susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, amikacin and gatilofloxacin. The isolates were variously susceptible to the other antibiotics as follows: ciprofloxacin (96 %), kanamycin (95 %), neomycin (92 %), streptomycin (84 %), chloramphenicol (73 %), nalidixic acid (66 %), nitrofurantoin (64 %), gentamycin (63 %), doxycycline (58 %), cefepime (57 %), tetracycline (49 %) and cephalothin (42 %). The multiple antibiotic resistance indexing ranged from 0.50 to 0.80 for all the sampling locations and exceeded the threshold value of 0.2, suggesting the origin of the isolates to be of high antimicrobial usage. Our findings signify an increase in the incidence of antimicrobial resistance of E. coli towards conventionally used antibiotics necessitating proper surveillance programmes towards the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance determinants in water bodies.

Biofilm and multidrug resistance in uropathogenic Escherichia coli

CONTEXT

Escherichia coli is known as causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs) tends to form microcolonies in mucosa lining of urinary bladder known as biofilm. These biofilms make the organism to resist the host immune response, more virulent and lead to the evolution of antibacterial drug resistance by enclosing them in an extracellular biochemical matrix.

AIMS

This study was done to know the association of various virulence factors and biofilm production in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This study was conducted in Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana during a period of 1 year from January 2011 to December 2011.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

Biofilm was detected by microtiter plate (MTP) method, and various virulence factors like hemolysin, hemagglutination, gelatinase, siderophore production, serum resistance, and hydrophobicity were detected. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and the disk diffusion method was used to confirm the ESBL, AmpC, MBL production by the UPEC statistical analysis used: The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 17.0. A two-sided P-value of less than or equal to 0·05 was considered to be significant.

RESULTS

Biofilm production was found in 18 (13·5%) isolates, more commonly in females (two times). These isolates were found to be resistant to antibiotics common in use and were 100% MDR.

CONCLUSIONS

Biofilm production makes the organism to be more resistant to antibiotics and virulent as compared to non-biofilm producers.