Virulence Factors, Phylogenetic Groups and Ciprofloxacin Susceptibility of Escherichia coli Isolated from Healthy Students in Chungcheong Province

Virulence Factors, Phylogenetic Groups and Ciprofloxacin Susceptibility of Escherichia coli Isolated from Healthy Students in Chungcheong Province

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections, predominantly caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study investigated whether E. coli isolated from the urine of healthy university students without UTI symptoms has the potential to cause UTIs. We analyzed the virulence factors, phylogenetic groups, and ciprofloxacin resistance status of the isolated E. coli. Midstream urine samples from 170 students were cultured, and 21 E. coli isolates were identified. Multiplex PCR was used to detect virulence factors and phylogenetic groups, while antibiotic susceptibility was tested for ciprofloxacin resistance. 15 of 21 E. coli strains (71.43%) from healthy students had at least one virulence factor. The most common strains possessed type 1 fimbriae only (47.62%). Phylogenetic analysis showed a predominance of B2 group (42.86%). Ciprofloxacin resistance was observed in only one (4.76%) of the 21 isolates. Healthy individuals can harbor E. coli with significant virulence factors and antibiotic resistance, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections, predominantly caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study investigated whether E. coli isolated from the urine of healthy university students without UTI symptoms has the potential to cause UTIs. We analyzed the virulence factors, phylogenetic groups, and ciprofloxacin resistance status of the isolated E. coli. Midstream urine samples from 170 students were cultured, and 21 E. coli isolates were identified. Multiplex PCR was used to detect virulence factors and phylogenetic groups, while antibiotic susceptibility was tested for ciprofloxacin resistance. 15 of 21 E. coli strains (71.43%) from healthy students had at least one virulence factor. The most common strains possessed type 1 fimbriae only (47.62%). Phylogenetic analysis showed a predominance of B2 group (42.86%). Ciprofloxacin resistance was observed in only one (4.76%) of the 21 isolates. Healthy individuals can harbor E. coli with significant virulence factors and antibiotic resistance, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.