Identification of beta-lactamase genes in Nitrofurantoin-resistant gram-negative bacteria isolated from pregnant women using molecular techniques

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq

^* Corresponding author: nabeel.tuwaij@uokufa.edu.iq

Abstract

The predominant infection among pregnant women is urinary tract infection (UTIs), which may lead to various complications. So, this investigation was to detect gram-negative UTIs isolates and beta-lactam resistance genes. The study included 100 (28.57%) inpatient pregnant women and 250 (71.42%) outpatient pregnant women treated at Al-Zahraa teaching hospital for children’s health and maternity, Al-Najaf City, Iraq. Finding showed that The majority of the age group was 31-40 years old which involved 80 (22.85%) growth and 45 (12.85%) no growth. Results also showed the high rate of bacteria among pregnant women in third-trimester was 127 (36.28%). According Kirby-Bauer methods, only 33/150 (22%) of gram-negative isolates were nitrofurantoin-resistant. Results of PCR amplification showed that all 33 out of 33 (100%) gram negative isolates had the ctx-m gene. Additionally, a significant prevalence of AmpC gene was discovered in 32 out of 33 isolates (96.96%). The veb gene, on the other hand, was only detected in P. aeruginosa isolates, with a prevalence of 1 out of 33 (3.03%). The PCR findings revealed the presence of oxa-like 5 genes in 12.12% (4/33) of the isolates. Although oxa-69 was not identified in this study.