Detection and Prevalence of Metallo-Beta- Lactamase (MBL) Enzymes Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Various Clinical Samples: A Microbiological Assessment | Chapter 4 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 1

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant Gram-negative pathogen responsible for various opportunistic infections and nosocomial outbreaks. The rising incidence of hospital-acquired infections caused by P. aeruginosa, particularly those producing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), poses a major clinical challenge. The mechanism of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics includes the production of beta-lactamase, reduced outer membrane permeability, the altered affinity of target penicillin-binding proteins and plasmid-mediated resistance involving modifying enzymes. Carbapenems, often considered the last-resort antibiotics for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, are increasingly compromised due to the emergence of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa.

Aim: This study aimed to detect MBL-producing P. aeruginosa isolates from clinical samples.

Methods: Clinical P. aeruginosa strains were isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines (2011). Carbapenem-resistant strains were screened for MBL production using the disc potentiation test, with confirmation based on enhanced inhibition zones around imipenem and meropenem discs supplemented with EDTA.

Results: Out of 120 clinical samples, the highest prevalence of MBL-producing isolates was observed in endotracheal aspirates (36.66%), followed by wound swabs (28%) and blood samples (28%). Among these, 36 (30%) isolates were carbapenem-resistant, and 22 (18.33%) tested positive for MBL production. The high prevalence of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa among multidrug-resistant strains highlights the need for early detection to optimize treatment and prevent nosocomial transmission.

Conclusion: Continuous surveillance for MBL-producing P. aeruginosa is essential to mitigate the spread of resistance and ensure effective clinical management.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Mohammed Ansar Qureshi
Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Najran University, Saudi Arabia.

 

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