Virulence Factors Of Carbapenem-Resistant In Hospital-Acquired Infections In Mansoura, Egypt.

PURPOSE

The problem of carbapenem-resistant in health-care settings is growing worse. This study was conducted to investigate the rate of carbapenemase genes, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factors in carbapenem-resistant associated with hospital-acquired infections.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Isolates of were collected from patients with hospital-acquired infections at Mansoura University Hospital in Mansoura. Carbapenem susceptibility was done by broth dilution. The presence of carbapenemase genes and quorum-sensing genes was assessed by PCR. Production of protease, pyocyanin, twitching motility, hemolytic activity and biofilm formation was evaluated.

RESULTS

Out of 80 isolates, 34 (42.5%) were resistant to carbapenem. Among carbapenem-resistant isolates, 21 (61.8%) were carbapenemase producers. The most prevalent gene detected was . The frequency of protease, pyocyanin, twitching motility, hemolytic activity and biofilm formation was 76.2%, 58.8%, 83.8%, 93.8% and 77.5%, respectively. Biofilm formation was significantly associated with carbapenem-resistant . On the other hand, pyocyanin production was significantly lower in carbapenem-resistant isolates. No correlation existed between carbapenem resistance and any other studied virulence factors or quorum-sensing genes.

CONCLUSION

Association of carbapenem-resistant with other antibiotic resistance or the presence of virulence factors in hospital-acquired infection may represent a warning that enhances the need for a stringent surveillance program.