Biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in patients with urolithiasis: assessment of phenotypic and genotypic

Abstract

Aim: Urolithiasis is a common public health problem that significantly impacts the community. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalent pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections in patients with urolithiasis and investigate the biofilm forming ability of these strains phenotypically and molecularly. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients who presented to Kirkuk Training and Research Hospital with symptoms of urinary tract infection and were diagnosed with kidney stones were included in our study conducted between May 2021 and November 2022. Clinically significant bacteria from urine samples were identified using routine conventional methods. Biofilm formation of the identified strains was examined by microplate method. Results: The most frequently isolated agents were Escherichia coli (n:36) and Proteus mirabilis (n:17). Biofilm formation was detected in 89% of E. coli strains and 94% of P. mirabilis strains. Conclusion: The results obtained are important in terms of high biofilm formation, especially in E. coli and P. mirabilis strains, and the frequent presence of genes related to this biofilm formation.