Biofilm formation and virulence factors among multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients in Babylon province

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often multidrug resistant that is associated with hospital-acquired infections. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the patterns of antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, the occurrence of multiple drug resistant (MDR), and virulence genes (Alg, OprL, and OprI) in P. aeruginosa isolated from patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 131 isolates from various sites including (burn, wound, and urine) were collected from different hospitals in Babylon province for both genders and ages. These isolates were identified using traditional techniques as well as the Vitek 2 system. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were subjected to disc diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Alg, oprL, and oprI-specific primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction technique for the molecular identification of virulence factors genes. Results: Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates that were one hundred thirty-one (100%) had oprL gene. On the other hand, Alg and oprI each have 129 (98.47%). Conclusion: Alarming factors for public health include the high rate of MDR among P. aeruginosa isolates and its capacity to form biofilm.