Virulence Factors and Biofilm Formation in Multidrug-Resistant Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Clinical Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium, responsible for nosocomial infections, with a complex arsenal of pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to simultaneously characterize the potential for resistance, virulence and biofilm formation in clinical strains. A total of 104 clinical P. aeruginosa strains (blood (26), stools (26), pus (26) and urine (26) were the subject of this study. The Mueller-Hinton diffusion method, agglutination test and combined disk diffusion test respectively made it possible to phenotypically determine the resistance profile, serogroups and metallo-β-lactamase production. Virulence, resistance and biofilm formation supports were detected by PCR. P. aeruginosa strains were resistant to aztreonam (76.4%), ticarcillin (62.4%), piperacillin (32.4%), imipenem (17.1%), cefepime (14%) and Ceftazidime (8.3%). The serogroups O11 (22.1%), O7 (18.3%), O16 (16.3%), and O9 (14.4%) were mainly determined in clinical strains. The total prevalence of metallo-β lactamase genes was 12.5% (blaIMP) and 11.5% (blaVIM). In descending order, the virulence genes exoS (55.8%), plcH (48.1%), LasB (47.1%), pilB (42.3%) and algD (41.3%) were detected (p pelA (28.8%) and pslA (23.1%). In conclusion, this study highlights the significant resistance, virulence, and biofilm-forming capabilities of clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. By profiling 104 strains, we found high resistance rates to multiple antibiotics, with notable serogroups and a considerable prevalence of metallo-β-lactamase genes, which pose a challenge for treatment. Additionally, key virulence genes and biofilm-associated genes were prevalent, underscoring the pathogenic potential of these strains. These findings underscore the importance of characterizing pathogenicity factors as a valuable strategy for monitoring and managing P. aeruginosa infections, especially in healthcare settings where such infections are common and difficult to treat.

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