Detection of resistance integrons among biofilm and non-biofilm producing clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Published in: Germs (Bucureşti) 2024-03, Vol.14 (1), p.11-19
• Main Authors: Sultan, Amira M, Mahmoud, Noha Mostafa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibiotics; Bacteria; Biofilms; Causes of; Chromosomes; Drug resistance; Genes; Health aspects; Infections; Investigations; Microbial mats; Original; Polymerase chain reaction; Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• ISSN: 2248-2997; 2248-2997
• DOI: 10.18683/germs.2024.1413

Integrons are genetic systems that may confer antibiotic resistance to . Biofilm formation can facilitate gene exchange and can accelerate the development of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this work was to assess the distribution of resistance integrons including class 1, 2 and 3 among biofilm- and non-biofilm producing clinical strains of We also aimed to investigate the relationship between the existence of these integrons and the isolates' resistance patterns. Specimens were obtained from patients showing evidence of infection. isolates were identified using conventional techniques, while disk diffusion test was used to detect their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Biofilm formation was detected by the tissue culture plate technique, while classes of integrons were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Out of 106 isolates, 55.7% were class 1 integron-positive while 19.8% were class 2 integron-positive. However, class 3 integrons were not detected. Significant associations were found between class 1 integrons and resistance toward amikacin, gentamicin, cefepime, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin. Class 2 integrons were associated with amikacin, ceftazidime and cefepime resistance. Of pseudomonal isolates, 61.3% were biofilm producing. Biofilm production was associated significantly with the existence of class 1 integrons (p