Detection of IMP and VIM genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from Egyptian patients

Introduction: Metallo-β-lactamase production among Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major health problem worldwide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa acquire several mechanisms of resistance towards carbapenems through the production of metallo-β-lactamases, especially VIM and IMP. The problem of multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is increasing all over the world, reaching dangerous levels. The aim of this study was to detect the metallo-β-lactamases blaVIM and blaIMP genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia, Egypt. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 65 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Genotypic detection of blaVIM and blaIMP was reached by using polymerase chain reaction. Results: Out of 65 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains , blaVIM gene was present in four females and one male, with an age of 42.9 ±18.1; two cases were isolated from the Oncology Department, and one case each was present in the Burn Unit, Surgery Ward, and Intensive Care Unit. The blaVIM gene was expressed in four stains, while the bla IMP gene was not expressed in any strain. Conclusions: The carbapenem resistance in our patients can be referred to as metallo-β-lactamases blaVIM type. The problem of metallo-β-lactamases and carbapenem resistance requires ongoing surveillance, strong preventive measures, and implementation of infection control policies and procedures. Also, routine diagnostic laboratory methods should be performed, and synthesis of antimicrobial products with new effecting mechanism should be implemented in hospitals.