Sulfonamide resistance, virulence traits, and in-silico target interactions among clinical isolates in Setif, Algeria (2021-2023)

Sep 29, 2026

Sulfonamide-resistant bacteria are a growing global health concern, particularly in under-resourced regions. This study evaluated the prevalence, resistance profiles, and virulence traits of sulfonamide-resistant strains in Setif, Algeria, across 2021–2023. A total of 215 clinical isolates were collected and characterized using standard microbiological identification and Kirby–Bauer susceptibility testing. Virulence factors and in-silico molecular docking for target interactions were assessed.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keywords

| | RIGINAL ARTICLE | | --- | --- | | | O | Volume 17 Number 6 (December 2025) 1010-1022 DOI: [http://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v17i6.20370](http://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v17i6.20370) Sulfonamide resistance, virulence traits, and in-silico target interactions among clinical isolates in Setif, Algeria (2021–2023) Anfal Kara1, Imane Krache2, Naouel Boussoualim1*, Roufaida Bourouche1, Naouel Hamani1, Malek Nour Kheloufi1, Yacine Benguerba3 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Ferhat Abbas Sétif 1 University, Sétif, Algeria 2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Ferhat Abbas Sétif 1 University, Sétif, Algeria 3Department of Processes Engineering, Ferhat Abbas Sétif 1 Universit, Sétif, Algeria Received: June 2025, Accepted: October 2025 developing resistance . . - - formation - and. to enzyme ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing global health concern, particularly in regions. Sulfonamides, once widely used, now face increasing resistance. This study assessed the prevalence, profiles, and virulences traites of sulfonamide-resistant strains in Sétif, Algeria (2021-2023) . Materials and Methods: A total of 215 clinical isolates were collected from patients aged 1 day to 96 years (mean 42.7) Most were community-acquired (77.2%), with urinary tract infections predominating (49.3% in women, 32.1% in men) Identification and susceptibility testing followed standard microbiological and Kirby–Bauer methods. Virulence factors (bio film, hemolysin, protease, lecithinase, and lipase) were examined. Molecular docking compared sulfamethoxazole and tri methoprim binding to their enzymatic targets. Results: Escherichia coli was the most frequent isolate (47.9%), followed by Enterobacter spp. (11.6%) . Biofilm was common (88.8%), with complete production in Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Providencia, and Acinetobacter. Hemolysis patterns were α (30.7%), β (27.9%), and none (41.4%). Enzymatic activity included protease (48.8%), lecithinase (22.8%), lipase (9.8%) . High resistance was observed to penicillins (87.9%), cephalosporins (63.7%), and fluoroquinolones (56.3%) Resistance was lower to imipenem (33.0%) and amikacin (14.4%) . Docking showed weaker sulfamethoxazole binding DHPS than trimethoprim to DHFR. Conclusion: The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially E. coli, combined with biofilm and production, underscores the urgent need for careful antibiotic stewardship in this region. Keywords: Drug resistance; Sulfonamides; Anti-bacterial agents; Virulence factors; Molecular docking simulation INTRODUCTION Antibiotics are drugs widely used to treat bacterial infections. Since their discovery, they have saved millions of lives and have become essential inhuman and veterinary medicine (1). They are used to treat many common pathologies, as well as to prevent infections during medical procedures. However, their effectiveness depends on responsible and appropriate use, as improper use can lead to bacterial resistance (2). *Corresponding author: Naouel Boussoualim, Ph.D, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Ferhat Abbas Sétif 1 University, Sétif, Algeria. Tel: +213672631616 [Email: naouel_24@yahoo.fr](Email: naouel_24@yahoo.fr) Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International license ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)). Noncommercial uses of the work are permitted, provided the original work is properly cited. Antibiotic resistance is now a serious threat worldwide. According to a report published in 2022 by the World Health Organization (WHO) (3), around 5 million deaths in 2019 were associated with infections due to resistant bacteria, including 1.27 million dir

FAQs

What was the main objective of the study?

To determine the prevalence and resistance patterns of sulfonamide-resistant clinical bacterial strains in the Setif region and to evaluate associated virulence traits and in-silico target interactions using docking analysis.

How were clinical isolates collected and tested for antibiotic susceptibility?

A total of 215 clinical isolates were collected from patients in multiple locations around Setif and identified using standard microbiological methods, with antibiotic susceptibility testing performed using Kirby–Bauer techniques.

Which virulence factors and molecular interactions were examined?

The study assessed virulence factors including biofilm, hemolysin, protease, lecithinase, and lipase. Molecular docking compared binding interactions of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim with their enzymatic targets.

Sep 29, 2026

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