Phenotypic and Genotypic Biofilm Formation and Its Association With Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern Among Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated From Burn Wounds

BackgroundP. aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen in hospitalized patients, particularly in burn units. It produces various virulence factors, including biofilm formation, which increases antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of antibiotic resistance patterns, biofilm formation, and the presence of the pslA gene in P. aeruginosa isolates collected from wounds of hospitalized burn patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 100 isolates were collected from wounds of hospitalized burn patients. They performed an antibacterial susceptibility test using agar disk diffusion methods. They investigated biofilm formation using a microtiter plate assay. PCR was carried out to detect the biofilm-related genes (pslA) gene.ResultsThe resistance rates to amikacin, carbenicillin, gentamicin, tobramycin, piperacillin, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, and imipenem were 24%, 81%, 54%, 60%, 50%, 49%, 25%, and 22%, respectively. Among 100 isolates, 35 (35%) isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Imipenem was recognized as the most effective antibiotic. Out of all isolates, 71 (71%) isolates were able to produce biofilm. Statistically, resistance to some antibiotics such as imipenem, gentamicin, tobramycin, piperacillin, and ciprofloxacin was significantly higher in biofilm-producing isolates compared to non-biofilm-producing isolates. Thirty-seven (37%) isolates harbored the pslA gene. Additionally, biofilm formation and the presence of the pslA gene were significantly associated with MDR.ConclusionsBiofilm-forming isolates were more resistant to most antibiotics than non-biofilm producing groups. Therefore, monitoring strategies to identify and deal with these resistant forms should be prioritized because they can be challenging in treatment.