Serotyping and molecular profiles of virulence-associated genes among isolates from teaching hospitals of Ardabil, Iran: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonized various organs. This bacterium is associated with different community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections. The present study aims to assess the capsular serotypes and frequency of virulence-associated genes in isolates from teaching hospitals in Ardabil, Iran.

METHODS

From October 1, 2019, to November 31, 2021, different clinical samples were collected and isolates were diagnosed using conventional biochemical tests. The final identification of was performed through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using a specific primer targeting the gene. The PCR method was employed to confirm the presence of virulence-associated genes and aerobactin, and the main capsular serotypes based on the specific primers.

RESULTS

Of all 100  isolates, 4% and 2% were typeable with K5 and K2 primers, respectively. In addition, (94%), (91%), and (87%) had the highest frequency among the virulence-associated genes. 24% of isolates harbored the genes simultaneously. Moreover, 50% of capsular serotype 5 harbored the genes simultaneously.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that 6% of all isolates were typeable, distributed in the two serotypes K5 and K2. Most isolates were positive for multiple types of virulence genes. Identifying bacterial virulence genes aids in molecular detection, assay development, and therapeutic pathways.