Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Microbiology, Fal. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major contributor to hospital-acquired infections, with its notable capacity to develop multidrug resistance (MDR) posing considerable therapeutic challenges. This study was designed to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and to detect key resistance genes, including blaSHV, blaTEM, blaVEB, and mexA, in MDR isolates of this bacterium.
Methods: In this study, MDR clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from hospitalized patients at Al-Zahra Hospital (Isfahan, 2023). Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 were used as quality control strains. DNA was extracted, and blaSHV, blaTEM, blaVEB, and mexA were detected by PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The isolates exhibited high levels of resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. The prevalence of mexA (80%), blaVEB (73.3%), blaTEM (83.3%), and blaSHV (40%) genes was observed among the isolates. Significant associations were observed between the presence of certain genes and specific phenotypic resistance patterns (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of resistance genes in MDR P. aeruginosa underscores the need for ongoing genotypic surveillance and updated therapeutic and infection control strategies. The combined use of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular detection of resistance genes provides valuable information for monitoring antimicrobial resistance and guiding effective infection management.
Highlights
Elmira Shah Cheraghi (Google Scholar) (PUBMED)
Mozhgan Ghiasian (Google Scholar) (PUBMED)
Keywords
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