Molecular Characterization of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Pregnant Women with Diabetes and UTIs in Tikrit, Iraq

Riyam Gani Ahmed; Ayyub   J. Abdl-Rahmaan Al-Baytay

doi:10.69923/ja30a780

Molecular Characterization of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Pregnant Women with Diabetes and UTIs in Tikrit, Iraq

Authors

Riyam Gani Ahmed Department of Biology, College of Education for Women, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4651-8388
Ayyub J. Abdl-Rahmaan Al-Baytay Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5595-4392

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69923/ja30a780

Keywords:

oprM, mecA, UTIs, Antibiotic Resistance, Pregnant.

Abstract

The present study was carried out in Tikrit City, Iraq, to investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes and urinary tract infections (UTIs). A total of 77 urine samples were collected and examined, leading to the successful isolation and identification of 14 bacterial isolates, consisting of 7 Staphylococcus aureus and 7 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed a high level of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics, particularly ampicillin and Augmentin, with resistance rates of 90% and 95% respectively in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates. Molecular analysis demonstrated that all S. aureus strains harbored the mecA gene, confirming their classification as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, the oprM gene was detected in all P. aeruginosa isolates, confirming the role of efflux pump mechanisms in their multidrug resistance. These findings highlight a concerning increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens among high-risk pregnant women in Tikrit, emphasizing the urgent need for effective infection control strategies, rational antibiotic use, and continuous molecular surveillance to prevent further spread and complications in maternal healthcare.

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Author Biographies

Riyam Gani Ahmed, Department of Biology, College of Education for Women, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq.

[1] Riyam Ghany Ahmad is an Assistant lecturer at the College of Education for women, University of Anbar, Iraq. She received the B.Sc. degree in Biology from Tikrit University and the M.Sc. degree from Tikrit University, IRAQ. Her research areas are Microbiology, antibiotic resistance and Microbial genetics. She has published several scientific papers in national, international conferences and journals. She can be contacted at email: ream.maulood@uoanbar.edu.iq
Ayyub J. Abdl-Rahmaan Al-Baytay

Dr. Ayyub J. Abdl-Rahmaan Al-Baytay is an Assistant Professor at the College of Education for Women, Tikrit University, Iraq. He received the B.Sc. degree in biology from the University of Baghdad and the M.Sc. degree from Tikrit University, IRAQ. He holds a PhD degree in botany with a specialization in plant taxonomy. His research areas are plant physiology and taxonomy. He has published several scientific papers in national and international conferences and journals. He can be contacted at email: dr_ayyub_bio@tu.edu.iq.

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Published

30-09-2025

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): Volume 2, Issue 3

Section

Research Articles

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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How to Cite

[1]

R. Gani Ahmed and A. . J. Abdl-Rahmaan Al-Baytay, “Molecular Characterization of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Pregnant Women with Diabetes and UTIs in Tikrit, Iraq”, IJApSc, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 1–13, Sep. 2025, doi: 10.69923/ja30a780.