ST-۸۸۸۱ as a predominant clone of ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from nosocomial infection, healthcare worker and sewage in a tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND AND ABJECTIVEEscherichia coli (E. coli) is a prevalent bacterial pathogen responsible for various infections. Human populations, particularly hospital health workers, can serve as reservoirs for E. coli and facilitate its transmission through fecal contamination and inadequate hygiene practices. This study aims to investigate the involvement of health workers in transmitting infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli within a tertiary hospital setting. This study aims to assess the contribution of health workers to the transmission of ESBL-producing E. coli infections in a tertiary hospital, shedding light on their role as potential sources of nosocomial infections.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn this study conducted from June ۲۰۲۱ to October ۲۰۲۱, traditional culture methods were employed to isolate ۳۷۱ E. coli strains from the fecal samples of health care workers, hospitalized patients, and hospital wastewater. Among these isolates, ۷۵ were identified as ESBL-producing E. coli. Further analysis revealed that out of the ۳۰ ESBL-producing E. coli isolates selected, six were derived from hospital wastewater, twelve from hospitalized patients, and twelve from health care workers. These isolates were subsequently subjected to MLST analysis.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONMLST analysis of the selected ESBL-producing E. coli isolates revealed that the predominant clone identified was ST۸۸۸۱, which was found in isolates from health care workers, hospital sewage, and patients hospitalized in the neurology and ICU B ward. Furthermore, four strains from hospitalized patients in the orthopedic departments and men's surgeries were identified as ST۳۲۰.CONCLUSIONGiven the high incidence of ESBL-producing E. coli infections and the potential transmission cycle involving hospital health personnel and hospitalized patients, implementing changes in hospital infection control policies can play a crucial role in reducing these infections.

کلیدواژه ها:

E.coli ، ESBL ، Escherichia coli ، health workers ، MLST