Isolation and molecular identification of Enterococci and detection of cytolysin (cyl) pathogenic gene from urine samples in Tehran

Enterococci are one of the most important factors in nosocomial infections. Enterococcus genus has 38 species, the most important of which are Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. Enterococci have a medical significance due to bacteremia, urinary tract infections, endocarditis, meningitis and wound infections.

280 specimens collected from medical diagnostic laboratories in Tehran were used. In order to isolate and identify the bacteria, blood agar culture medium and the specific medium of Kanamycin esculin azide agar were used and then the colonies of bacteria were identified by biochemical methods. The molecular confirmation of bacteria was also carried out by a specific molecular kit of enterococci. Finally, the presence of the cytolysin gene in isolates was measured by PCR method.

Of 280 samples examined, 50 samples (17.8%) were identified for Enterococcus faecalis species. Presence of cytolysin gene (cyt) in 34% of isolates was confirmed by PCR.

The results show that dissemination of enterococci containing pathogenic genes among patients with urinary tract infection can be dangerous for their health. These results show more attention to individual health.