Comparing Tsh and Pic Genes in UPEC Strain Isolated from Urinary and Digestive Systems Infections and Examining their Relationship in Biofilm Formation

Abstract

Tsh gene encodes a protein similar to immunoglobulin A (IgA) proteases in Neisseria gonorrhoea and Hemophylus influenza. The pic gene product is a 116 kilodalton protein with a role in intestinal colonization. The study examined the relationship between the prevalence of tsh and pic genes and biofilm formation in isolates isolated from digestive and urinary tract infections (UTIs). 250 stool and urine samples (100 stool samples and 150 urine samples) were collected from the patients. The age range of the patients was 10-65 years with a mean age of 42±6. The isolated strains were identified using phenotypic and biochemical tests and commercial antisera. Biofilm formation of pathogenic E. coli strains was examined using the microtiter method. The existence or non-existence of tsh and pic genes and their frequency were examined using PCR method. In the E. coli strains examined, the pic gene with the size of bp147 and the tsh gene with the size of bp824 were seen on agarose gel. The pic gene was seen in 5 (3.3%) UPEC strains and tsh in 2 (2%) EPEC strains. The findings indicated that the tsh gene is associated with the ability of the isolated strains to produce biofilm, and with its effect on biofilm production, it could affect the severity of the disease and antibiotic resistance; therefore, it could be used as a genetic tool to detect strains E. coli pathotype. However, regarding the pic gene of the strain studied, biofilm production was not seen in them. The study findings indicated that the tsh gene is associated with the ability of the isolated strain to produce biofilm and with its effect on biofilm production could affect the severity of the disease and antibiotic resistance.