Study of biofilm formation, structure and antibiotic resistance in strains causing urinary tract infection in women in Ahvaz, Iran.

is the second most frequent community-acquired causative agent of acute urinary tract infection (UTI). Some strains of can create biofilms, increasing their virulence. Once biofilms have been produced, antibiotic resistance is exacerbated. Hence, the aims of the present study were the study of biofilm formation, structure and antibiotic resistance in strains causing UTIs in women in Ahvaz, Iran. Overall, 43 isolates were recovered from UTIs. Antibiotic resistance pattern and the biofilm production and structure were determined using phenotypic methods. Most isolates were resistant to erythromycin, but all isolates were sensitive to linezolid and vancomycin. Fifty-eight per cent of were multidrug resistant. Twenty-one per cent of isolates harbored the gene. Biofilm formation was observed in 65% of isolates and most had polysaccharide matrix. Our data indicate high rates of antibiotic resistance and the capability of biofilm formation among isolates. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in the management of UTIs is a serious public health issue. The findings of this study could be used to improve treatment plans to control UTIs. Consequently, increased awareness of the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and the development of drug resistance will allow UTIs to be more efficiently controlled and treated.