Rapid Detection of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Urinary Tract Infections Using Multiplex PCR assay

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Mina Behnamfard ¹
• Mahboobe Nakhaemoghaddam ²
• Negin Mortezaee ³
• Mobina Honarmandkhalilabad ³

¹ Department of Biology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

² - Associate Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

³ MSc of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad

10.22034/ijmcm.2024.710245

Abstract

Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae predominantly cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Rapid and accurate identification of these pathogens is crucial for effective treatment. This study aimed to evaluate multiplex PCR for the simultaneous detection of E. coli and K. pneumoniae in urinary samples. Conducted in 2023 at Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, 250 urine samples from suspected UTI patients were collected. DNA was extracted using a commercial kit and amplified using specific primers (EC-16S for E. coli and KP/khe for K. pneumoniae). Results were compared with culture methods. Among the 250 samples, 110 were positive: 61 E. coli, 49 K. pneumoniae, and 12 co-infections. Multiplex PCR showed high sensitivity and specificity with faster turnaround than culture. It is a reliable and rapid diagnostic tool for UTIs. Multiplex PCR offers a rapid, sensitive, and specific alternative to culture for UTI diagnosis, enabling timely treatment decisions.

Keywords

• E.coli
• K.pneumoniae
• UTI
• Multiplex PCR
• Rapid diangosis
• Culture
• Molecolar method

Main Subjects

• Diagnosis

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