Antibiotic Resistance and Prevalence of blaOXA-۴۸ and blaGES-۲ Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Burn Patients in Tabriz, Iran

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections in burn units, and its antibiotic resistance presents a significant therapeutic challenge. The emergence of carbapenemase genes, such as blaOXA-۴۸ and blaGES-۲, is of particular concern. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns and the prevalence of blaOXA-۴۸ and blaGES-۲ genes in P. aeruginosa isolates from burn patients in Tabriz, Iran. Methods and Materials: In this cross-sectional study, ۱۰۰ clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from burn patients between June and January ۲۰۲۵. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to clinical and laboratory standards institute guidelines. Phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) was conducted using the combined disk test. The presence of blaOXA-۴۸ and blaGES-۲ genes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: The highest resistance rates were observed against ceftazidime and cefotaxime, each at ۹۶%, followed by imipenem at ۹۱% and meropenem at ۹۰%. Phenotypically, ۵۰% of the isolates were identified as ESBL producers. Genotypic analysis of ESBL-positive isolates revealed that ۶۲% (۳۱/۵۰) carried the blaGES-۲ gene, while ۲۸% (۱۴/۵۰) harbored the blaOXA-۴۸ gene. Concurrent presence of both genes was detected in ۱۲% (۶/۵۰) of the ESBL-positive isolates. Conclusion: The results demonstrated a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance and a concerning presence of carbapenemase genes blaGES-۲ and blaOXA-۴۸ in P. aeruginosa isolates from burn patients in Tabriz. This highlights the urgent need for continuous surveillance programs and enhanced infection control strategies in burn care centers.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anti-Bacterial Agents ، Beta-Lactamases ، Burns ، Drug Resistance ، Pseudomonas aeruginosa