Antibiotic susceptibility is associated with some of the virulence associated genes in Proteus isolates

Abstract

Abstract Background: Proteus species are opportunistic pathogens that are involved in different Human infections. Several virulence associated factor including adhesins, toxins have introduced in Proteus species. Investigating anti-virulence agents instead of or in combination with antibiotics were recommended as a solution for antibiotic resistance problem. According to this, we tried to investigate any association between virulence associated genes and antibiotic resistance in Proteus isolates. Results: ninety one Proteus mirabilisand 9 Proteus vulgaris were investigated. Minimum antibiotic resistance was detected against amikacin and norfloxacin(6%). Totally, 5.5% of isolates were multiple drug resistant(MDR) that all were P mirabilis. Thirteen percent, 10% and 34% of isolates were ESBL, carbapenemase and AmpC positive respectively. ESBL and carbapenemase positive isolates were significantly(p≤0.05) more prevalent in community acquired isolates . The zapA(98%) and atfA(77%) had maximum and minimum frequency among the investigated virulence associated genes respectively. Statistical analysis showed that rsbA, mrpA, zapA, hpmA, pmfA and filI genes that considered as more potent virulence associated genes than atfA and ucaA are regarded as antibiotic resistance predictor in the Proteus isolates Conclusion: the study findings suggest that, norfloxacin, amikacin and tobramycin are best choice against MDR Proteus isolates. The rsbA, mrpA, zapA, hpmA, pmfA and filI genes could be good targets for designing the future anti-virulence therapies.