Detection of blatem, blactx-m, and blashv genes in clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Objectives: Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBLs), which are produced by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are a critical problem that demands efficient infection management strategies to break their spread. The prevalence of clinical isolates varies widely around the world and changes fast over time. The objectives of this research are to determine the spread of ESBLs (bla_TEM, bla_{CTX M}, and bla_SHV) genes among the isolates of P. aeruginosa.  and to find the antibiotic susceptibility among these isolates which reflect the rate and severity of pathogenicity of these bacteria in Iraq. Methods: one hundred and fifty clinical specimens were collected from wound, burn and diabetic foot swabs of patients hospitalized in Babylon and Baghdad hospitals. P. aeruginosa isolates were identified based on their morphological features (culturally and microscopically), biochemical tests, Vitek 2 compact, PCR-sequencing for the P. aeruginosa-specific gene and the antibiotic susceptibility tests were also performed. Results: Forty-six isolates of P. aeruginosa were isolated and identified, these isolates were resistant to tobramycin, piperacillin, cefepime, imipenem, ofloxacin, aztreonam and netilmicin, (100%). The lowest resistance of P. aeruginosa isolates was to ciprofloxacin (43 %). PCR experiments showed that P. aeruginosa have bla_TEM 27/46 (58.69%), bla_SHV 29/46 (63%), and bla_CTX-M 31/46 (67.39%).