Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Metallo-β-lactamase Genes in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized as one of the most significant emerging threats in the current century. The production of metallo-β-lactamases is a critical mechanism of antibiotic resistance commonly associated with nosocomial infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study aimed to assess the antibiotic resistance profile and the prevalence of metallo-β-lactamase genes in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from patients at three hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the standard Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Additionally, the presence of specific metallo-β-lactamase genes, including bla-IMP, bla-VIM-1, and bla-VIM-2, were assessed through multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The isolates exhibited significant resistance to Amikacin (98.6%) and cefotaxime (48.9%). Imipenem was found to be the most effective antibiotic, showing a susceptibility rate of 72.6%. The genes bla-IMP, bla-VIM-1, and bla-VIM-2 were detected in 34%, 69%, and 33% of the isolates, respectively. Furthermore, 35% of the isolates carried all three genes: bla-IMP, bla-VIM-1, and bla-VIM-2. This study showed that multidrug-resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are prevalent in all three hospitals. The inappropriate and unrestricted use of antibiotics contributes to the development of resistance in hospital-acquired pathogens. It is essential to regularly monitor and document antibiotic resistance to create effective strategies for controlling infections caused by these bacteria.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Metallo-β-lactamase Genes in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keywords:

Bacteria , Antibiogram , bla-IMP , bla-VIM-1 , bla-VIM-2