Investigation of virulence factor genes and biofilm formation of antibiotic resistant clinical E.coli isolates

The aim of this study is to investigate the antibiotic sensitivity, presence of virulence genes and biofilm formation capacity of 90 clinical E. coli isolates. The presence of virulence genes in E.coli isolates were investigated by PCR. Ninety clinical isolates of E.coli were subjected to biofilm quantitative analysis using the semi-quantitative crystal violet staining method. it was observed that the isolates were resistant to quinolone, cephalosporin, aminoglycoside, carbapenem and penicillin group antibiotics. The presence of virulence factor genes were observed in a total of 86/90 E. coli. The highest rate of fim (92.2 %) virulence factor gene was detected in the strains. Afa, pap, cnf, sfa, hly were detected in 30 %, 13 %, 13 %, 3.3 %, 2.2 % respectively. Also, 13 different virulence factor gene patterns were determined in 90 E. coli isolates. Of the 90 E. coli isolates whose biofilm-forming capacities were evaluated, 42 were found to have biofilm-forming capacity. Of these 26 (28.8 %) the weak, 12 (13.3 %) moderate and 4 (4.4 %) strong biofilm-forming. Also, statistical analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between virulence factor genes and biofilm formation, and none of the 7 genes analyzed showed a significant relationship with biofilm formation. since pathogenic E. coli is an important public health problem, investigating antibiotic resistance, virulence factor genes and biofilm formation in bacterial pathogens is important for better treatment options. •Determination of 7 different virulence factor genes in antibiotic resistant E. coli isolates.•Investigation of biofilm formation capacities of E. coli isolates that cause urinary tract infection and other infections.•Investigation of the relationship between strains carrying virulence factor genes and forming biofilms.