Molecular detection of alginate-producing hyper-mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraqi

Abstract

Background: The Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can cause severe and frequent lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis. The mucoid strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms a protective alginate-containing matrix that promotes microcolony formation, making the bacteria resistant to antibiotics and immune system attacks. Consequently, this strain leads to a higher risk of chronic illness and mortality in cystic fibrosis patients. Aims:  The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence rate of alginate-producer hyper-mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients and its role in antibiotic resistance. Methods:  Sputum samples were collected from 30 cystic fibrosis patients who tested positive for transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and sweet chloride test. For infants or children who couldn’t provide sputum samples, two throat swab samples were obtained. All Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were evaluated for antibiotic sensitivity using VITEK-2 and Biofilm formation. Pure bacterial isolates were used to extract DNA with commercial kits, and the molecular diagnosis was performed using specific primers for the algD gene through the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Results: of 30 cystic fibrosis patients Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 10 (33.3%), All Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates string test positive, and all isolated were biofilm producers; of 10 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates it found that 3/10(30%) isolates with MDR, 1/10 (10%) isolates with XDR, and 6/10 (60%) isolates with PDR pattern. Out of 10 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates 8 (80%) carried the alg D gene at 1310bp. Conclusion. Results of the study showed that alginate producer mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates are highly frequent in cystic fibrosis patients. Additionally, mucoid P. aeruginosa improves and increases its resistance to various classes of antibiotics which is a challenge in eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection particularly lung infection. 

Keywords

Main Subjects

Microbes and Infectious Diseases

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 July 2024

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics