Detection of some virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with diarrhea in Kirkuk City

78 ABSTRACT Background: studies have shown that Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be a potential cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea. Pathogenesis based on endotoxin, exotoxins, and enzymes. Objectives: detection of some virulence factors produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from faecal specimens in Kirkuk, Iraq. Methods: The study included identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from stool samples of children suffering from diarrhea, 518 samples collected from Azadi teaching hospital and Pediatric hospital in Kirkuk city, from February 2012 to June 2013. Various virulence factors including beta-lactamase, protease, lipase, lecithinase, deoxyribonuclease, gelatin liquefaction, haemolysin, congo red binding, urease, presence of capsule and betalactamase production were determined for Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Results: 35 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were identified and the isolation percentage was 8.1% (only 433/518 give positive culture result for different bacteria). The distribution of virulence factors was different among the test isolates. All the isolates produce betalactamase but have different ability for binding to Congo red, gelatin liquefaction, lipase, protease, lecithinase, deoxyribonuclease, urease, capsule and haemolysin production. Conclusion: Based on the findings of present study Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from diarrheal cases at least produced two virulent factors.