Open AccessAntibiotic resistance and virulence characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from respiratory tract infections
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medycyna doświadczalna i mikrobiologia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2545-2517
pISSN - 0025-8601
DOI - 10.32394/mdm.72.03
Subject(s) - virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , pseudomonas aeruginosa , biology , biofilm , antibiotic resistance , antibiotics , respiratory tract , pyocyanin , respiratory tract infections , gene , bacteria , respiratory system , quorum sensing , genetics , anatomy
Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the resistance, virulence and biofilm production of PA strains from respiratory tract infections.Methods: All strains were tested for antibiotic susceptibility according to current EUCAST guidelines. Several resistance and virulence genes were detected by PCR.Biofilm formation was detected by the crystal violet method.Results: 38 strains (47.5%) were categorized as XDR, and 12 (15%) as MDR. Seven (10%) MBL producers were identified. The VIM gene was detected in two strains. Genes connected with aminoglycoside resistance: aac(6΄)-I and ant(2΄΄)-I were detected in 10 strains each, aac(6′)-Ib in 18 strains (21%), and aph (3’)-IV in 7 strains (8%). The most prevalent virulence genes were exoT (95%), apr (93%), A, phzS (95%), and plcH (95%). All the tested strains were strong biofilm producers.Conclusions: The results demonstrate high frequency and heterogeneity of virulence gene profiles among PA isolates from respiratory tract infections. A high number of MDR and XDR strains poses a serious threat for patients and shows clearly that new antimicrobial agents are needed.