Molecular Typing of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains in Isfahan Province and Genetic Classification of Serogroup O25 Isolates by ERIC-PCR Method

Objective & Aim: Escherichia coli includes a wide range of different strains in ecosystems with huge diversity in their genomes. Some strains cause serious diseases, such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most frequent agent causing UTI in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of O-serogroups among E. coli isolated from patients with UTI in Isfahan province and genetic classification of O25 serogroup isolates by ERIC-PCR method. Materials and Methods: 226 urine samples from patients with UTI were collected from hospitals in Isfahan province. E. coli isolates were identified using standard methods. Serogroups of these isolates were determined by PCR method and genetic classification of isolates with serogroup O25 was performed using ERIC-PCR method. Results: A total of 96 E. coli strains were isolated from the urine samples. The most common types of O antigens were O25(37.5%), O21(9.37%) and O6(8.33%). The genetic classification of isolates with serogroup O25 showed 25 different profiles among these 36 isolates Conclusion: ERIC-PCR technique is a quick, sharp and cost-effective method. It seemed that this technique to be a good approach for molecular typing of E. coli strains isolated from different urinary tract infections sources.