Molekularbiologie: Open Access

Correlation between bla_SHV Gene and Biofilm Formation among Beta Lactamase Producing Uropathogenic Isolates from Patients in Erbil City in Iraq

Abstract

Hosan Yousif Hassan, Safaa Toma Hanna Aka and Salah Tofik Jalal

Background and objective: Bacterial resistance has been considered as one of the most serious threats in infectious disease, especially in development countries. The ability of biofilm formation is often associated with antibiotic resistance. The aim of the study is to detect the correlation between the ability of biofilm formation and SHV gene, in addition to investigate the prevalence of SHV gene among the beta-lactamase producing strains.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during the period September to December 2017 at Rizgary Teaching Hospital in Erbil. A total of 31 beta-lactamase producing uropathogens were collected, identification and antibiotic sensitivity test was done using VITEK-2 automated system. Biofilm formation was determined by 96 well flat bottom microtiter plates. Molecular detection was performed for one of the ESBL genes, the SHV gene.

Results: The prevalence of SHV gene among the beta-lactamase producing isolates was 29%. The findings showed a significant association between the presence of SHV gene and the bacterial species (p=0.001). In addition 44.4% of SHV positive isolates were K. pneumoniae pathogens with the ability of moderate or strong biofilm formation which showed to have a significant association (p=0.044). From the beta-lactamase producing strains 90.3% appeared to be multi-drug resistant isolates.

Conclusion: The SHV gene was significantly more present in K. pneumoniae in compare to E. coli strains. However, most of SHV positive isolates were K. pneumoniae pathogens with ability of moderate or strong biofilm formation.