Molecular detection of virulence genes and biofilm formation in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 27 May 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.372273.2662 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Lavanya Mohanam* ; Priyadarshinini Shanmugam | ||
| Department of Microbiology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Chennai-603103, India | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Primary bacterial defense mechanisms for bacteria during an infectious process are the formation of biofilm and virulence factors. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for the production of biofilm and several virulence factors for its survival. It includes alginate, exoenzyme S, elastase B, phospholipase C and other cytotoxins. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the formation of biofilm by phenotypic method and to screen for the genes encoding virulence factors among P.aeruginosa. Methods: A total of 213 clinical isolates of P.aeruginosa were obtained and Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was performed for all isolates. By tissue culture method, the isolates were screened for biofilm formation. DNA were extracted and subjected to PCR for screening of virulence encoding genes such as alg D, tox A, exo S, las B, plc H, plc N. Results: AST showed that the majority of the isolates were sensitive to colistin and polymixin B (98%). By phenotypic method, 55% of isolates were strong biofilm producers. The genes encoding virulence factors such as alg D, las B, plc N, plc H, exo S, tox A were detected in 155 (79%),139 (71%), 135 (69%), 148 (76%), 140 (71%) and 135 (69%) isolates respectively. Conclusion: Colistin and polymixin B exhibit greater activity against the P.aerugionsa isolates. A significant proportion of the isolates exhibited biofilm formation, a known factor for contributing to antimicrobial resistance and persistence in clinical settings. Virulence genes was commonly detected in majority of isolates. These findings suggest a high prevalence of pathogenic traits among the clinical isolates. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Alginate; Biofilm; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Virulence factor | ||
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