Extended-spectrum and Metallo-beta lactamase enzymes mediated resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinically isolated specimens

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the leading opportunistic pathogens, frequently highlighted for the production of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) and Metallo-beta Lactamase (MBL) enzymes. This is believed to be the primary inhabitant of soil due to its adaptive nature and can survive in aquatic and even in a toxic environment. The current study aimed to screen ESBL, MBL producing, and Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) strains of P. aeruginosa. Clinical specimens collected from patients were screened for the presence of P. aeruginosa. After identification, all the isolates were tested for the sensitivity pattern following the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The presence of ESBL and MBL enzymes were detected following DDST and IMP-EDTA detection tests, respectively. The sample size used in the study was 1369, and colonies for P. aeruginosa were obtained from 126 (9.20%) samples of culture media. 54.76% (69/126) of the positive cases were detected in the female population, whereas 45.24% (57/126) in the male population. High-frequency rate (n=43/126) was detected in the age group >= 31 year, followed by 21-30 (n=35/126), and 11-20 (n=34/126) age group, the minimal frequency (n=14/126) was detected in age group 0-10. The sensitivity pattern showed that the majority of the isolates were resistant, but class carbapenem (imipenem, meropenem), aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin), and other antibiotics like sulbactam-Cefoperazone, tazobactam-piperacillin, tigecycline, and Fosfomycin exhibited the best efficacy against P. aeruginosa. It is concluded that the emergence of resistance due to ESBL and MBL enzymes in P. aeruginosa is directly linked with a public health concern because these strains are almost resistant to a wide range of antibiotics, and only limited antibiotics are potent against these organisms.