Molecular Detection of PAIsII J96 and PAIs III536 Genes among Escherichia coli Isolates, Babylon, Iraq

Background: Pathogenicity islands (PAIs) are distinct genetic elements of pathogens encoding various virulence factors such as protein secretion systems, host invasion factors, iron uptake systems, and toxins. Objective: Identification of the PAIsII J96 and PAIsIII 536 genes through molecular analysis in Escherichia coli isolates. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty urine samples were collected from urinary tract infection (UTI) patients at Maternity and Children Babylon Hospital were sampled. Healthy controls provided 100 stool samples. Results: One hundred fifty urine samples were collected from UTI patients and 25 healthy stool samples were collected between November 2021 and May 2022 at Al-Maternity Hilla’s. 110 samples (73.4%) grew bacteria on varied media. The remaining 40 (26.6%) samples showed no growth. In Eosin methylene blue, 110 E. coli -positive cultures. 35 (70.0%) female isolates, 15 (30.0%) male isolates, and 60 (54.5%) other bacteria isolates grew suspected E. coli . (60%) of 100 control stool isolates were E. coli , 60 (60%) E. coli isolates, and 40 (40%) other microorganisms. 50 E. coli isolates were studied. 30 E. coli isolates were multiple drug resistant (MDR). All 50 isolates were confirmed with ID massage confidence levels ranging from excellent (probability percentages from 94% to 99.7%). PALIIj96 gene was found in 5/30 (16.7%) MDR E. coli urine isolates (190 bp) and (100%) stool isolates. PAIsIII 536 gene was discovered in only 1/30 (6.7%) MDR E. coli isolates from urine samples (550 bp), whereas it was not detected in any stool samples (0%). Conclusions: PAIsII J96 and PAIsIII 536 genes showed increased E. coli pathogenicity.