Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou

Olawoumi Fabrice Kouta; Amana Metuor Dabire; Rabietou Nikiema; Lionel Eliada Benoit Bambara; Jacques Simpore

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11

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Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou

Olawoumi Fabrice Kouta^*

, Amana Metuor Dabire

, Rabietou Nikiema, Lionel Eliada Benoit Bambara, Jacques Simpore

Published in American Journal of BioScience (Volume 14, Issue 1)

Received: 18 December 2025 Accepted: 29 December 2025 Published: 19 January 2026

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Abstract

The widespread use of fluoroquinolones has led to the emergence of resistant strains, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections. This study aimed to analyze quinolone resistance in Gram-negative bacilli isolated from semen samples in Burkina Faso. A total of 311 semen samples were used in the study. The bacteria present were isolated and identified using standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed, and isolates resistant to at least one of the quinolones tested were analyzed by conventional PCR to detect the resistance genes aac(6')-Ib, qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS. A total of 8 samples (2.58%) were culture-positive, with a predominance of Escherichia coli (62.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.5%). All Klebsiella pneumoniae species were susceptible to antibiotics, while Escherichia coli strains showed resistance rates of 50% to ciprofloxacin, 37.5% to norfloxacin, and 12.5% to levofloxacin. Molecular analysis of the isolates revealed a high prevalence of the qnrA gene (75%), followed by the aac(6')-Ib and qnrB genes (50% each). In addition, 50% of isolates contained both the qnrA and qnrB genes, and 25% contained both aac(6')-Ib and qnrA. The detection of these plasmid resistance genes highlights the importance of monitoring the evolution of antibiotic resistance and promoting the judicious use of antibiotics in order to limit its spread.

Published in	American Journal of BioScience (Volume 14, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11
Page(s)	1-7
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Quinolone Resistance, Gram-negative Bacilli, Semen, PCR, Burkina Faso

References

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[2]	Origin of the plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant QnrA \| Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. URL https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/aac.49.8.3523-3525.2005
[3]	Ruiz J. Mechanisms of resistance to quinolones: target alterations, decreased accumulation and DNA gyrase protection. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2003 May 1; 51(5): 1109-17. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkg222
[4]	Vetting MW, Park CH, Hegde SS, Jacoby GA, Hooper DC, Blanchard JS. Mechanistic and Structural Analysis of Aminoglycoside N-Acetyltransferase AAC(6′)-Ib and Its Bifunctional, Fluoroquinolone-Active AAC(6′)-Ib-cr Variant. Biochemistry. 2008 Sep 16; 47(37): 9825-35. https://doi.org/10.1021/bi800664x
[5]	Jacoby GA. Mechanisms of Resistance to Quinolones. Clin Infect Dis. 2005 Jul 15; 41(Supplement_2): S120-6. https://doi.org/10.1086/428052
[6]	Benhiba I. Cytobacteriological profile of semen from patients consulting for infertility in the urology-andrology department of Brazzaville University Hospital. Uro-Andro Rev Urol Androl ASU. July 2, 2015; 1(4). URL https://revue-uroandro.org/index.php/uro-andro/article/view/56
[7]	Sanou AM, Traore H, Sagna T, Ilboudo AK, Ky S, Ouangre A, et al. Microbiological profile of lower genital tract infections in women of childbearing age in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Sci Tech Sci Sante. 2017; 40(2): 129-38.
[8]	World Health Organization. World health statistics 2020: monitoring health for the SDGs, sustainable development goals. World Health Organization; 2020. URL https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/332070
[9]	Amana MD, Wend-Kuni TRY, Aminata BY, Serge S, Koudbi ZJ, et al. Detection of multidrug-resistant enterobacteria simultaneously producing extended-spectrum -lactamases of the PER and GES types isolated at Saint Camille Hospital Center, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Afr J Microbiol Res. 2019 Aug 31; 13(26): 414-20. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJMR2019.9147
[10]	El-Badawy MF, Tawakol WM, El-Far SW, Maghrabi IA, Al-Ghamdi SA, Mansy MS, et al. Molecular Identification of Aminoglycoside-Modifying Enzymes and Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes among Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates Recovered from Egyptian Patients. Int J Microbiol. 2017; 2017: 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8050432
[11]	swLarabi K, Masmoudi A, Fendri C. Bacteriological study and resistance phenotypes of bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections in a university hospital in Tunis: 1,930 cases. Medecine Mal Infect. July 1, 2003; 33(7): 348-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0399-077X(03)00180-X
[12]	Cisse H, Kagambega A, Bouda SC, Sawadogo A, Barro N. Phenotypic and Genotypic Antibiotic Resistant Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients with Diarrhea in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Adv Microbiol. July 4, 2023; 13(7): 347-59. https://doi.org/10.4236/aim.2023.137022
[13]	Abdel-Rhman SH, Elbargisy RM, Rizk DE. Characterization of Integrons and Quinolone Resistance in Clinical Escherichia coli Isolates in Mansoura City, Egypt. Int J Microbiol. 2021; 2021(1): 6468942. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6468942
[14]	Redgrave LS, Sutton SB, Webber MA, Piddock LJV. Fluoroquinolone resistance: mechanisms, impact on bacteria, and role in evolutionary success. Trends Microbiol. 2014 Aug 1; 22(8): 438–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2014.04.007
[15]	Seo KW, Lee YJ. Molecular characterization of fluoroquinolone-resistant https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2021.101250
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APA Style

Kouta, O. F., Dabire, A. M., Nikiema, R., Bambara, L. E. B., Simpore, J. (2026). Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou. American Journal of BioScience, 14(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11

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ACS Style

Kouta, O. F.; Dabire, A. M.; Nikiema, R.; Bambara, L. E. B.; Simpore, J. Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou. Am. J. BioScience 2026, 14(1), 1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11

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AMA Style

Kouta OF, Dabire AM, Nikiema R, Bambara LEB, Simpore J. Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou. Am J BioScience. 2026;14(1):1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11,
  author = {Olawoumi Fabrice Kouta and Amana Metuor Dabire and Rabietou Nikiema and Lionel Eliada Benoit Bambara and Jacques Simpore},
  title = {Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou},
  journal = {American Journal of BioScience},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-7},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajbio.20261401.11},
  abstract = {The widespread use of fluoroquinolones has led to the emergence of resistant strains, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections. This study aimed to analyze quinolone resistance in Gram-negative bacilli isolated from semen samples in Burkina Faso. A total of 311 semen samples were used in the study. The bacteria present were isolated and identified using standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed, and isolates resistant to at least one of the quinolones tested were analyzed by conventional PCR to detect the resistance genes aac(6')-Ib, qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS. A total of 8 samples (2.58%) were culture-positive, with a predominance of Escherichia coli (62.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.5%). All Klebsiella pneumoniae species were susceptible to antibiotics, while Escherichia coli strains showed resistance rates of 50% to ciprofloxacin, 37.5% to norfloxacin, and 12.5% to levofloxacin. Molecular analysis of the isolates revealed a high prevalence of the qnrA gene (75%), followed by the aac(6')-Ib and qnrB genes (50% each). In addition, 50% of isolates contained both the qnrA and qnrB genes, and 25% contained both aac(6')-Ib and qnrA. The detection of these plasmid resistance genes highlights the importance of monitoring the evolution of antibiotic resistance and promoting the judicious use of antibiotics in order to limit its spread.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou
AU  - Olawoumi Fabrice Kouta
AU  - Amana Metuor Dabire
AU  - Rabietou Nikiema
AU  - Lionel Eliada Benoit Bambara
AU  - Jacques Simpore
Y1  - 2026/01/19
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11
T2  - American Journal of BioScience
JF  - American Journal of BioScience
JO  - American Journal of BioScience
SP  - 1
EP  - 7
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-0167
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11
AB  - The widespread use of fluoroquinolones has led to the emergence of resistant strains, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections. This study aimed to analyze quinolone resistance in Gram-negative bacilli isolated from semen samples in Burkina Faso. A total of 311 semen samples were used in the study. The bacteria present were isolated and identified using standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed, and isolates resistant to at least one of the quinolones tested were analyzed by conventional PCR to detect the resistance genes aac(6')-Ib, qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS. A total of 8 samples (2.58%) were culture-positive, with a predominance of Escherichia coli (62.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.5%). All Klebsiella pneumoniae species were susceptible to antibiotics, while Escherichia coli strains showed resistance rates of 50% to ciprofloxacin, 37.5% to norfloxacin, and 12.5% to levofloxacin. Molecular analysis of the isolates revealed a high prevalence of the qnrA gene (75%), followed by the aac(6')-Ib and qnrB genes (50% each). In addition, 50% of isolates contained both the qnrA and qnrB genes, and 25% contained both aac(6')-Ib and qnrA. The detection of these plasmid resistance genes highlights the importance of monitoring the evolution of antibiotic resistance and promoting the judicious use of antibiotics in order to limit its spread.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Olawoumi Fabrice Kouta

Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina, Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-5111-9982
Amana Metuor Dabire

Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina, Faso;Department of Biochemistry-Microbiology, Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly University, Dédougou, Burkina Faso

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3898-4725
Rabietou Nikiema

Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina, Faso
Lionel Eliada Benoit Bambara

Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics (LABIOGENE), Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Ouagadougou, Burkina, Faso
Jacques Simpore

Annigoni Biomolecular Research Center (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso;Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou (HOSCO), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

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APA Style

Kouta, O. F., Dabire, A. M., Nikiema, R., Bambara, L. E. B., Simpore, J. (2026). Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou. American Journal of BioScience, 14(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11

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ACS Style

Kouta, O. F.; Dabire, A. M.; Nikiema, R.; Bambara, L. E. B.; Simpore, J. Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou. Am. J. BioScience 2026, 14(1), 1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11

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AMA Style

Kouta OF, Dabire AM, Nikiema R, Bambara LEB, Simpore J. Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou. Am J BioScience. 2026;14(1):1-7. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11,
  author = {Olawoumi Fabrice Kouta and Amana Metuor Dabire and Rabietou Nikiema and Lionel Eliada Benoit Bambara and Jacques Simpore},
  title = {Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou},
  journal = {American Journal of BioScience},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-7},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajbio.20261401.11},
  abstract = {The widespread use of fluoroquinolones has led to the emergence of resistant strains, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections. This study aimed to analyze quinolone resistance in Gram-negative bacilli isolated from semen samples in Burkina Faso. A total of 311 semen samples were used in the study. The bacteria present were isolated and identified using standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed, and isolates resistant to at least one of the quinolones tested were analyzed by conventional PCR to detect the resistance genes aac(6')-Ib, qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS. A total of 8 samples (2.58%) were culture-positive, with a predominance of Escherichia coli (62.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.5%). All Klebsiella pneumoniae species were susceptible to antibiotics, while Escherichia coli strains showed resistance rates of 50% to ciprofloxacin, 37.5% to norfloxacin, and 12.5% to levofloxacin. Molecular analysis of the isolates revealed a high prevalence of the qnrA gene (75%), followed by the aac(6')-Ib and qnrB genes (50% each). In addition, 50% of isolates contained both the qnrA and qnrB genes, and 25% contained both aac(6')-Ib and qnrA. The detection of these plasmid resistance genes highlights the importance of monitoring the evolution of antibiotic resistance and promoting the judicious use of antibiotics in order to limit its spread.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance in Gram-negative Bacilli from Semen Samples in Ouagadougou
AU  - Olawoumi Fabrice Kouta
AU  - Amana Metuor Dabire
AU  - Rabietou Nikiema
AU  - Lionel Eliada Benoit Bambara
AU  - Jacques Simpore
Y1  - 2026/01/19
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11
T2  - American Journal of BioScience
JF  - American Journal of BioScience
JO  - American Journal of BioScience
SP  - 1
EP  - 7
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-0167
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20261401.11
AB  - The widespread use of fluoroquinolones has led to the emergence of resistant strains, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections. This study aimed to analyze quinolone resistance in Gram-negative bacilli isolated from semen samples in Burkina Faso. A total of 311 semen samples were used in the study. The bacteria present were isolated and identified using standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed, and isolates resistant to at least one of the quinolones tested were analyzed by conventional PCR to detect the resistance genes aac(6')-Ib, qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS. A total of 8 samples (2.58%) were culture-positive, with a predominance of Escherichia coli (62.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (37.5%). All Klebsiella pneumoniae species were susceptible to antibiotics, while Escherichia coli strains showed resistance rates of 50% to ciprofloxacin, 37.5% to norfloxacin, and 12.5% to levofloxacin. Molecular analysis of the isolates revealed a high prevalence of the qnrA gene (75%), followed by the aac(6')-Ib and qnrB genes (50% each). In addition, 50% of isolates contained both the qnrA and qnrB genes, and 25% contained both aac(6')-Ib and qnrA. The detection of these plasmid resistance genes highlights the importance of monitoring the evolution of antibiotic resistance and promoting the judicious use of antibiotics in order to limit its spread.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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