Molecular Detection of some Virulence Genes for Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Women with Genital Tract Infection in Balad district

Abstract

Background: Vaginitis, characterized by inflammation of the vagina, is a prevalent health issue affecting millions of women worldwide which is often attributed to an imbalance in vaginal microbiota and is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in reproductive-aged women. This study was conducted to molecular detection of some virulence genes implicated in pathogenesis of E. faecalis in women with vaginitis in addition to molecular investigation of biofilm and vancomycin resistant genes.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Tikrit City, Balad Province, from February 2023 to March 2024 involved 400 married, non-pregnant women aged 15-49 with vaginitis symptoms. These women sought consultation at Balad General Hospital's clinic and private clinics in the province. The study received approval from the council of the College of Medicine, Tikrit University. Bacterial isolation from vaginal samples was performed by gently inserting a swab into the vaginal opening, rotating it against the vaginal walls, and then carefully withdrawing it without touching the skin. Real- Interpretation of RT-PCR data relied on Cycle threshold values, which indicate the cycle number at which the fluorescence signal surpasses the baseline threshold.

Results: The study  a spectrum of bacterial species involved. Escherichia coli was the highest isolated bacteria, 70(22.95%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 55(18.03%), Enterococcus faecium (accounts for 50 cases (16.39%) of the isolated bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis, each with 35(11.48%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was associated with 28(9.18%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus was 25(8.20%), and Granulicatella elegans was observed in 7 cases, (2.30%) of the isolated bacteria. Growth in 10% NaCl was seen in 65.71% of isolates, and protease production was evident in 62.86%.