Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 12 2 2026 09 01 Antibiotic Resistance and Integron Distribution in Escherichia coli Isolated from Urine Samples 101 108 29036 10.52547/iem.12.2.101 EN Haidar Qassim Raheem DNA Research center, University of Babylon, Al-Karameh Street-51001, Babylon state, Iraq 0000-0001-8250-7777 Ehsan F. Hussein College of Science for Women, University of Babylon, Al-Karamah Street - 51001, Babylon state, Iraq Zahra Mohamed Jasim Department of Environmental Health , Collage of Environmental Sciences, Al-Qasim Green University, Babylon, Iraq Mustafa Raheem Tuama DNA Research Center, University of Babylon, Al-Karamah Street - 51001, Babylon state, Iraq Journal Article 2026 05 16 <strong>Background: </strong>Antimicrobial resistance among uropathogenic Escherichia coli represents a growing global health concern and is largely driven by the dissemination of resistance genes through mobile genetic elements such as integrons. This study aimed to investigate antimicrobial resistance patterns and determine the prevalence of class 1 and class 2 integrons among E. coli isolates recovered from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs).<br><strong>Materials & Methods:</strong> A total of 100 non-duplicate E. coli isolates were obtained from urine samples collected from hospitalized patients at Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital, Babylon, Iraq. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using standard methods, and the presence of intI1 and intI2 genes was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). <br><strong>Findings:</strong> High resistance rates were observed to ampicillin (75%), nalidixic acid (69%), and co-trimoxazole (52%), whereas gentamicin (67%) and amikacin (69%) showed the highest susceptibility rates. Multidrug resistance was detected in 65% of the isolates. PCR analysis revealed that 75% of isolates carried the intI1 gene, while intI2 was detected in 5%. The presence of intI1 was significantly associated with resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and co-trimoxazole (P < 0.05). <br><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The high prevalence of integron-associated multidrug resistance among E. coli isolates underscores the need for continuous surveillance and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize the management of UTIs. https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_29036_16db0f01adf864f5cd063e1f02371910.pdf