Genotyping DNA chip for the simultaneous assessment of antibiotic resistance and pathogenic potential of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most frequently occurring infections and are mostly caused by extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli. DNA microarrays are potent molecular diagnostic tools for rapid diagnosis of bacterial infections with high relevance for UTIs. In this study, we present the integration and application of two DNA chip modules for the simultaneous detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms in gyrA (quinolone resistance) and fimH (increased adhesion to urinary tract epithelium). The performance of the combined diagnostic chip was assessed by genotyping 140 E. coli strains. Resistance-causing mutations could only be identified in UTI isolates. A complete genotyping assay could be performed in <4 h after DNA extraction. Together with the excellent genotyping results, this constitutes a competitive alternative as a standard tool for routine clinical diagnostics.