Molecular Characterization of Carbapenemase Encoding Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Tertiary Healthcare in South Eastern Nigeria

Background and Objectives: In recent years, the rate of carbapenemase encoding gene in P. aeruginosa has increased worldwide and has become of great concern since it’s significantly restricts the therapeutic options for patients in Tertiary health care. Therefore, there’s a need for molecular characterization of carbapenemase encoding genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Tertiary Healthcare in South Eastern Nigeria. Methodology: A total of twelve (12) Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive culture of Urine (n=5), Wound swab (n=5), Catheter tip (n=2) were collected from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Hospital Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), Ebonyi State, South eastern Nigeria.  The Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain confirmation was performed using VITEK 2 System and the bacteria were further screen for carbapemase encoding gene by PCR specific primer. Results: Molecular amplification of carbapenemase encoding genes revealed that blaNDM and blaIPM accounted 12 (100%) across all sample source. Among the various sample sources, blaKPC was found 1(8.3%) in Urine, wound swab 3(25.0%), and Catheter tip 1(8.3%), while blaVIM was found 2(16.7%), 2(16.7%) and 0(0.0%) in Urine, wound swab and Catheter tip respectively. Co-expression of blaNDM + blaIMP accounted 5(41.6 %), 5(41.6 %) and 2(16.7 %) in Urine, wound swab and Catheter tip respectively. Co-expression of blaKPC + blaNDM + blaVIM + blaIMP + blaOXA was only detected in urine 1(8.3 %). Conclusion: The current study gives an account of the presence of carbapenemase-encoding genes in P. aeruginosa. The expression of carbapenemase-encoding genes may be the mainstay of phenotypic MDR. As a result, physicians, other medical professionals, researchers, and public health policymakers must be kept up to date on the spread of carbapenemase-encoding genes. In addition, strict infection prevention and control strategies, as well as antimicrobial stewardship programs, are highly desirable in admission healthcare facilities where carbapenemase-encoding genes are spreading.