Phenotypic and Molecular Survey of Metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Patients with Nosocomial and Non-Nosocomial Infections

BACKGROUND: Resistance to antimicrobial agents in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) including carbapenems is a prominent problem in patients. The aim of this study is surveying Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing P. aeruginosa isolated from patient specimens with nosocomial and non-nosocomial infections in Kurdistan province, Iran. METHODS: In total, 146 Pseudomonas spp. were collected (December 2015 to August 2017). P. aeruginosa isolates were detected by phenotypic and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) of gyrB gene. Combination disk (CD) phenotypic test was used for the identification of MBL-producing strains and PCR was applied for identification of blaIMP and blaVIM genes in P. aeruginosa. Sensitivity and specificity of phenotypic tests were calculated as well. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression were used for data analysis (p /=0.05). CONCLUSION: Presence of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa strains and blaIMP genes were proved in this study; thus more precaution should be taken in the administration of carbapenem antibiotics to patients.