Molecular characterization of virulence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Shigella species isolated from children in Delta, Egypt

Background: The ability of Shigella to invade, colonize, and kill host cells is affected by many virulence factors. The study aimed to confirm the identification and assess the presence of 12 virulence genes of the recovered Shigella spp. and 6 common antibiotic resistance genes particularly in S.flexneri  isolates recovered   from delta area –Egypt.  Methods:  A total of 62 Shigella isolates were collected from different hospitals.  The detection of genes specific for the genus, serotypes, major virulence genes and genes encoding antibiotics resistance was performed by PCR. Results:  A total of 62 (6.7%) isolates were positive for Shigella spp. virulence genes namely ipaH & virA & sigA & icsA & sen genes were detected in all species while sat & sepA were not detected in S.boydii  . on the other hand, pic was not detected in the tested species isolates. The tested isolates also harboured all except blaCTXM antibiotic resistance gene.  Conclusions: This study provide information about the prevalence of MDR character and the distribution of virulence & antibiotic resistance genes for effective control policies within this geographic region. Keywords:  Shigella, pathogenesis, virulence genes, resistance genes