Beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Phenotypic characteristics and molecular identification of virulence
Waheed Ullah1, Muhammad Qasim2, Hazir Rahman2
1Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; Department of Microbiology, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Background:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes common infections in immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients. However, drug resistance capability and release of virulence factors play a key role in bacterial pathogenicity.
Methods:
Beta-lactamase-producing clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were screened for biofilm formation and pigment production. Subsequently, all the isolates were subjected to the detection of six virulence genes (OprI, OprL, LasB, PlcH, ExoS, and ToxA).
Results:
Among beta-lactamase-producing isolates (n=54), about 85.18% (n=46) were biofilm producers. Pigment production was observed in 92.59% (n=50) isolates. Clinical samples were subsequently screened for detection of virulence factors. Among them, 40.74% (n=22) isolates were found to be OprI positive, while 29.62% (n=16) were OprL producers. In the case of LasB and PlcH, 24% (n=13) and 18.5% (n=10) isolates produced these virulence genes, respectively. Among the isolates, 37.03% (n=20) and 33.33% (n=18) expressed virulence factors ExoS and ToxA, respectively. Furthermore, 42.59% (n=23) isolates coproduced more than one type of virulence factors.
Conclusion:
In the current study, pigment display, biofilm formation, and virulence genes were detected in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Such factors could be crucial in the development of drug resistance.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates frequently exhibit biofilm formation and pigment production. These factors, along with various virulence genes, may contribute to the development of drug resistance in these common pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of infections in immunocompromised individuals and cystic fibrosis patients.
- Drug resistance and virulence factors are key contributors to P. aeruginosa pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of biofilm formation, pigment production, and specific virulence genes in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.
- To explore the potential link between these factors and the development of drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Screening of beta-lactamase-producing P. aeruginosa clinical isolates for biofilm and pigment production.
- Detection of six key virulence genes (OprI, OprL, LasB, PlcH, ExoS, ToxA) in the isolates.
Main Results:
- High percentages of isolates showed biofilm formation (85.18%) and pigment production (92.59%).
- Prevalence of virulence genes varied, with OprI (40.74%), OprL (29.62%), LasB (24%), PlcH (18.5%), ExoS (37.03%), and ToxA (33.33%) detected.
- A significant proportion (42.59%) of isolates coproduced multiple virulence factors.
Conclusions:
- Pigment production, biofilm formation, and the presence of virulence genes are common in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates.
- These identified factors may play a crucial role in the emergence of drug resistance in P. aeruginosa infections.
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