“Carbapenemase genes in carbapenem-resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa: experimental research insights into carbapenemase producing pseudomonas aeruginosa”

Abstract

Carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CP-PA) has become a major concern in healthcare settings worldwide, leading to severe infections and limited treatment options. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and significance of carbapenemase genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and their association with carbapenem resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were collected from various clinical specimens from Saydet Zgharta hospital in Lebanon. Bacterial identification was done using the oxidase test and the Api20NE. In addition, the modified Hodge test (MHT) was performed to identify carbapenemase producers. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) were employed to identify and characterize carbapenemase genes and assess genetic relatedness among isolates respectively. Molecular analysis identified the presence of the VIM-2 gene in a substantial proportion of isolates, consistent with previous studies highlighting its global prevalence as a major contributor to carbapenem resistance. Notably, our study is the first to report the presence of the NDM-1 gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in Lebanon. These NDM-1-positive isolates were identified as belonging to sequence type ST308, indicating the emergence of a new high-risk clone. This finding underscores the adaptability of P. aeruginosa in acquiring resistance mechanisms and emphasizes the urgent need for robust infection control measures and targeted therapeutic approaches to combat the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens in clinical settings.