Isolation, Antibiotic Susceptibility and Molecular Characterization of Escherichia Coli from Cases of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

ABSTRACT
Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common condition characterized by the presence of bacteria in urine without any symptoms of infection. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most prevalent bacteria associated with ASB. This study aimed to isolate, assess antibiotic susceptibility, and molecularly characterize E. coli strains obtained from cases of ASB. A total sum of fifty [50] urine samples were collected from individuals with ASB. E. coli was isolated from these samples using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method to determine the susceptibility profile of the isolated E. coli strains against commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, molecular characterization of the E. coli strains was conducted using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence of specific virulence genes and determine the phylogenetic grouping of the strains.The antimicrobial susceptibility test carried out on isolates of
Eschericia coli showed thatE.coli Was 100% resistant to Augumentin. Perfloxacin,13% resistance and 87% sensitive.Ofloxacin,100% sensitive.Streptomycin,7% resistance,43% intermediate and 50% sensitive. Septrin,80% resistance ,7% intermediate and 13% sensitive. Chloramphenicol,93% resistance and 7% sensitive.Sparfloxacin,93% sensitive and 7% intermediate. Ciprofloxacin,7% resistance ,3% intermediate and 90% sensitive. Amoxacillin, 20% resistant ,7% intermediate and 73% sensitive . Gentamycin ,17% resistant , 20% intermediate and 63% sensitive.
Molecular characterization revealed the presence of virulence genes associated with urinary tract infections, suggesting a potential for pathogenicity.In conclusion, this study sheds light on the isolation, antibiotic susceptibility, and molecular characterization of E. coli strains from cases of ASB. The findings contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology and genetic characteristics of E. coli associated with this condition. This knowledge can aid in the development of targeted strategies for the management and prevention of ASB-related complications.