Antimicrobial Gene Analysis

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance has become a critical global health concern, with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections posing a serious threat to effective clinical management. Of particular concern is resistance to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic used to treat severe infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. This study investigates the prevalence of colistin resistance and the distribution of plasmid-mediated mcr-1 and mcr-3 resistance genes in urinary isolates of Escherichia coli collected from a tertiary-level hospital setting. Escherichia coli is one of the most common causative agents of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and the increasing occurrence of resistant strains significantly complicates treatment strategies. The detection of mcr genes, which are transferable via plasmids, raises serious concerns due to their potential for rapid horizontal gene dissemination among bacterial populations. This study employs a combination of phenotypic and molecular approaches to comprehensively assess colistin resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is performed to identify resistant isolates, while polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays are used for the detection of mcr-1 and mcr-3 genes. Further analysis is conducted to evaluate the correlation between genotypic findings and resistance phenotypes, as well as their association with patient demographics and clinical characteristics. Additionally, the study aims to determine the prevalence of these resistance determinants within the hospital environment, providing valuable insights into local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Understanding the distribution of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes is essential for implementing effective infection control measures and guiding antibiotic stewardship programs. Overall, this research seeks to highlight the growing threat of colistin resistance in uropathogenic E. coli and to establish molecular surveillance strategies for early detection and containment. The findings are expected to contribute to improved clinical decision-making, reinforce public health policies, and support global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.