Khalil Khalis Jafar
Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for the postgraduate studies, University of Baghdad/ Iraq
Abdul Muhsin M. Shami
Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for the postgraduate studies, University of Baghdad/ Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacillus commonly associated with wound infections. This pathogen has demonstrated a remarkable ability to acquire antibiotic resistance genes, including those conferring resistance to carbapenems. Objective: This study aimed to identify and characterize siderophore genes in carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates from wound infections. Materials and Methods: Bacterial isolates were obtained from swab samples of patients with complicated wound infections treated at three hospitals in Baghdad, Iraq: Medical City Baghdad (Al-Burns Specialist Hospital), Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, and Al-Kindi Teaching Hospital. Samples were collected between November 2023 and February 2024, totaling 200 swabs from patients displaying signs of wound infection. The majority of patients were female (59%), with males comprising 41%. Samples were cultured on nutrient agar, blood agar, MacConkey agar, and Cetrimide agar, followed by incubation at 37°C for 24 hours. Results: From the 200 clinical samples, 59 isolates (29.5%) were identified as P. aeruginosa. Molecular analysis revealed that all isolates (100%) tested positive for the 16S rRNA housekeeping gene, while 80% of isolates harbored the plcN gene, and 80% tested positive for the exoS gene. These findings indicate a strong association between the presence of plcN and exoS genes and the virulence of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The high prevalence of the plcN and exoS virulence genes in multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates underscores their potential role in enhancing the pathogen's virulence and resistance. These findings emphasize the need for targeted strategies to mitigate the impact of these highly virulent strains in clinical settings.
Keywords: Multidrug Resistant, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Plcn, Exos.
