Phenotypic and Molecular Characteristics of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Burn Unit

Background: The biggest concern for a burn team is a nosocomial infection in burn patients, which is a significant health issue. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an extremely troublesome drug-resistant bacterium in the world today. We are now faced with rising P. aeruginosa pan-drug-resistant clones in hospital settings. Objectives: To evaluate the distribution of different virulence factors generated by P. aeruginosa isolated from burn wound infections, together with its antimicrobial susceptibility. Methodology: The isolates reported as P. aeruginosa were further tested for the presence of various phenotypic and genotypic virulence factors including (Biofilm formation, lipase, protease, gelatinase, DNase, bile esculin hydrolysis & hemolysin). Also, genes encoding (nan 1 and Exo A) were investigated by PCR using specific primers. All the isolates were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Results: The study reported that toxins and enzymes were expressed by the tested strains in varying proportions; (92.0%) were producing β-hemolysin, lipase (86%), and protease (86%). The formation of biofilm was observed in 84%. Exo A (70%) was the main virulence gene found in the tested strains. Nan 1 gene was identified in 30% of the samples. 82% of MDRPA isolates were found. There is indeed a relationship between biofilm production and drug resistance, as well as the presence of virulence genes (nan 1 and Exo A) were associated with certain patients and burn wounds characteristics as burn size, burn wound depth, length of hospital stays, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions: Correlation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence profiles with burn wounds and patient-related data can be useful in establishing of an appropriate preventive protocol for hospitalized patients with P. aeruginosa burn serious infections. The targeting of these bacterial virulence arsenals is also a promising approach to developing alternative drugs, which act by attenuating the aggressiveness of the pathogen and reducing its potential to cause vigorous infection.