Detection of Heavy Metals Resistance Genes and Effects of Iron Nanoparticles on the Gene Expression in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Using Real-Time PCR

Abstract

Background: Heavy metals enter the environment through industrial activities and contaminate natural ecosystems. Identification of heavy metal-resistant bacteria plays an important role in environmental pollution and ultimately cleansing it. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to isolate the resistant genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the effects of nanoparticles on gene expression using real-time PCR. Materials and Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 60 isolates of P. aeruginosa were studied. Frequency of czr gene was determined by PCR. Also, the effects of iron nanoparticles on czr gene expression were evaluated by real-time PCR after RNA extraction. Results: In this study, 25 isolates were carriers of czr gene. Also, iron nanoparticles could reduce the expression of the heavy metal resistance gene in P. aeruginosa in vitro. Conclusion: This study showed that the resistance of different species of P. aeruginosa to the heavy metal cadmium is different.