Genotyping of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from burn patients by RAPD-PCR

Fatemeh Nanvazadeh1, Azar Dokht Khosravi, Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

Insights

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR effectively differentiates Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from burn patients. This rapid, low-cost method aids in tracking infection sources and controlling transmission of this opportunistic pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections, particularly in burn patients.
  • This opportunistic pathogen exhibits high antibiotic resistance and poses a severe threat to immunocompromised individuals.
  • It has a notable capacity for colonization and transmission, often originating from diverse sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genotypic variations among Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from burn patients.
  • To evaluate the utility of the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method for strain differentiation.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 70 clinical samples from burn patients; 50 were positive for P. aeruginosa.
  • Extracted DNA from P. aeruginosa isolates.
  • Applied RAPD-PCR using a single primer (272) for genotypic differentiation.

Main Results:

  • RAPD-PCR generated 9 distinct genotypic profiles (I-IX) with varying DNA band patterns.
  • Genotype I was the most prevalent (20% of isolates).
  • Genotypes I, II, and VI were associated with severe burns and frequently isolated from wound and blood samples of the same patients.

Conclusions:

  • RAPD-PCR is a valuable tool for assessing genetic diversity in P. aeruginosa strains.
  • The technique is rapid, cost-effective, and possesses high discriminatory power.
  • Findings can aid in identifying infection origins, thereby controlling colonization and transmission.

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