Molecular Characterisation of Enterobacter Species Associated with Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection

Abstract

Background: The most typical diseases brought on by Enterobacterales
are urinary tract infections (UTIs), which include community-acquired
and hospital-associated infections. Numerous such infections are caused
by the Enterobacter species, which is a member of ESKAP pathogens
known for antibiotic resistance. The current study aims to accurately
characterise Enterobacter spp., implicated in community-acquired
UTIs, by genetic methods.
Patients and Methods: A total of 50 midstream urine specimens were
collected from patients with uncomplicated UTIs. Specimen collection
was conducted from August to September 2022. The samples were
cultured on selective culture media under aerobic conditions for 24
hours at 37 °C. The isolates were primarily identified by standard
bacteriological methods. The molecular study included bacterial genomic
DNA extraction and the use of specific primers for the amplification of
465 bp of 16S rRNA gene, and sequencing along with the construction
of a phylogenetic tree.
Results: Out of 50 urine specimens, only 7 gave positive culture results
for Enterobacter spp. (14%), encompasses Enterobacter spp. 4 (57.1%)
and Enterobacter cloacae 3 (42.8%). These isolates were confirmed by
PCR for 16S rRNA gene and sequencing.
Conclusion: This 16S rRNA–based inclusive tree has provided an
extremely inclusive tool about the high ability of such genetic fragments
to efficiently identify Enterobacter spp. using this genetic fragment.

How to cite this article:
Ibraheam I A, Bermani O K A L, Banimuslem T A,
Alsaadi Z H, Saad A M. Molecular Characterisation
of Enterobacter Species Associated with
Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection. J
Commun Dis. 2025;57(1):137-143.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202518