Ali Shakir Al-Ezee
Department of Biology / College of Education for Pure Sciences / University of Diyala
Ali Jaffar Saleem
Department of Biology / College of Education for Pure Sciences / University of Diyala
Hadi R. Rasheed Al-Taai
Department of Biology / College of Sciences / University of Diyala
ABSTRACT
Diarrhea remains a significant public health concern among children in Iraq, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Escherichia coli is a common bacterial pathogen associated with acute diarrhea in children, making the investigation of its genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance patterns essential. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between antibiotic resistance and the phylogenetic groups of E. coli isolated from children with acute diarrhea in Baqubah City. A total of 367 stool samples were collected between November 15, 2022, and February 1, 2023, from pediatric patients at Al-Batool Hospital for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Children, as well as private laboratories. The samples included 207 males and 160 females, aged from less than one year to seven years old. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for 15 antibiotics, with resistance rates observed as follows: Ampicillin (96%), Amoxicillin-clavulanate (94%), Ceftazidime (88%), Cefotaxime (92%), Aztreonam (68%), Tobramycin (26%), Amikacin (56%), Azithromycin (52%), Doxycycline (60%), Tigecycline (0%), Ciprofloxacin (26%), Levofloxacin (28%), Imipenem (14%), Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (74%), and Sulfonamides (68%). Phylogenetic analysis of E. coli isolates was conducted based on the presence of seven specific genes, categorizing them into eight phylogenetic groups: A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, and UP. The highest prevalence was observed in group E (13 isolates, 26%), followed by group C (8 isolates, 16%). Groups A, B2, and UP each accounted for 6 isolates (12%), while group B1 had 5 isolates (10%). The lowest prevalence was seen in groups D and F, with 3 isolates each (6%). This study highlights the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance among E. coli isolates and provides valuable insights into the phylogenetic distribution of E. coli in children with acute diarrhea in Baqubah City. These findings emphasize the need for continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and phylogenetic diversity to guide effective treatment strategies and public health interventions.
Keywords: Escherichia Coli, Antibiotic Resistance, Phylogenic Groups Genes.
