Related Experiment Videos
Resistance to metals by Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates
Abstract:
The susceptibility of 326 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to four metals was determined by agar dilution tests. Metal resistance was shown by 36% of the total isolates. The frequencies of resistance to individual ions were: mercuric, 31%; tellurite, 12%; arsenate, 10%; and chromate, 3%. The most frequent pattern was that of resistance to mercuric ions alone followed by mercury resistance associated with either tellurite, arsenate, or both. Resistance to more than one metal was found in 44% of metal-resistant isolates. The resistance to antibiotics was more frequent among metal-resistant isolates that in metal-sensitive isolates.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates show significant metal resistance, particularly to mercury. Metal-resistant strains also exhibit higher rates of antibiotic resistance, highlighting a concerning co-selection phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen frequently isolated from clinical settings.
- Metal resistance in bacteria can be linked to antibiotic resistance, posing a public health concern.
- Understanding metal susceptibility patterns in clinical isolates is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the susceptibility of clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates to four common metals.
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of metal resistance.
- To explore the association between metal resistance and antibiotic resistance in these isolates.
Main Methods:
- Agar dilution tests were performed on 326 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Susceptibility to mercuric ions, tellurite, arsenate, and chromate was evaluated.
- Resistance patterns and co-occurrence of metal resistance were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 36% of isolates exhibited resistance to at least one metal.
- Prevalence of resistance: mercuric (31%), tellurite (12%), arsenate (10%), and chromate (3%).
- Co-resistance to multiple metals was observed in 44% of metal-resistant isolates.
- Metal-resistant isolates showed a higher frequency of antibiotic resistance compared to metal-sensitive isolates.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates are resistant to metals, especially mercury.
- Co-resistance to multiple metals is common, and metal resistance is associated with increased antibiotic resistance.
- These findings underscore the importance of monitoring metal resistance in clinical settings due to potential implications for antimicrobial therapy.