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Molecular epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from infected ICU patients: a French multicenter 2012-2013

Céline Slekovec1,2, Jérôme Robert3, Nathalie van der Mee-Marquet4

  • 1Hygiène Hospitalière, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Besançon, France.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|March 4, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in French ICUs show high diversity, but seven epidemic high-risk clones dominate, especially among multidrug-resistant isolates. These clones spread within hospitals, sometimes acquiring resistance over time.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibits a complex population structure, with emerging evidence of epidemic high-risk clones.
  • Understanding the molecular epidemiology of P. aeruginosa is crucial for controlling hospital-acquired infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular epidemiology of P. aeruginosa causing infections in French intensive care units (ICUs).
  • To identify dominant clones and their association with antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genotyping (multilocus sequence typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) were performed on P. aeruginosa isolates.
  • Phenotypic and sequencing methods identified extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.
  • Isolates from bacteremia and pulmonary infections in ICUs were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • 104 P. aeruginosa isolates comprised 46 sequence types (STs), with 7 epidemic high-risk (EHR) clones being over-represented.
  • Multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were predominantly associated with these EHR clones.
  • Intra-hospital cross-transmission of EHR clones was observed, with some acquiring MDR over time.

Conclusions:

  • French ICUs experience P. aeruginosa infections with significant clonal diversity, alongside the prevalence of specific EHR clones.
  • EHR clones are key drivers of MDR P. aeruginosa infections in ICUs, though resistance is not an inherent trait.
  • Molecular surveillance is essential for tracking P. aeruginosa epidemiology and guiding infection control strategies.
Keywords:
EpidemiologyICUInfectionsPopulation structurePseudomonas aeruginosa

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