Determination Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and Prevalence of Class 1 and 2 Integron Resistance Gene Cassettes in <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> Strains Isolated from Hospitalized Patients in Markazi Province, Iran

Abstract

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized as a serious opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in hospitalized patients and shows a high level of antibiotic resistance. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the frequency of class 1, 2 integrons in P. aeruginosa strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Markazi Province, Iran. Methods: Totally, 100 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected and identified using standard biochemical tests P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed using disk-diffusion (Bauer-Kirby) method. DNA was extracted, then polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the detection of class 1 and 2 integrons. Results: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (76%) and cefotaxime (45%) were the most effective antimicrobial agents in this study. Also, PCR results showed that 95% of P. aeruginosa strains carried int1, but none of the isolates harbored the int2 genes. A significant correlation was observed between class 1 integrons and resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and cefotaxime (P < 0.005). Conclusions: The current study recognized a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance also a high presence of class 1 integron. Since integron-carrying elements are responsible for the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes introduced into the hospital is of concern; thus applying comprehensive strategies for prevention and control of infections is necessary.