Prevalence of TEM-1 type beta-lactmase genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from burn infections using Duplex PCR in Shahrekord, 2008

Existence of extended spectrum B-lactamase (ESBL) genes plays an important role in spreading B-lactam antibiotic resistance in the producing strains of these enzymes. The resistance of gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to different antimicrobial agents, especially B-lactam and carbapenem, has increasingly been reported. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of TEM-1 beta-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates through Duplex PCR. In this descriptive-analytic study, 175 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected from burn patients were subjected to bacteriological tests. The samples were cultured and identified according to standard methods. Then the frequency of ESBL producing strains was determined via the combined disk method. Using boiling method, DNA was extracted and examined for the existence of TEM-1 gene by Duplex PCR. Out of the 175 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, 66 (37.7%) were ESBL positive, 15.15% of which were positive for TEM-1 B-lactamases resistance gene. Noticing the increasing rate of the ESBLs producing strains, using the appropriate treatment protocol based on the antibiogram pattern of the strains is highly recommended.