AmpC-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa among clinical specimen
Hello. My name is Raji Mariam Adewumi. I’m a master’s student at the University of Ibadan. I’m working on the prevalence and molecular identification of AmpC-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinical specimens (urine, sputum, and a wound swab) in Ibadan.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile and opportunistic pathogen with a remarkable ability to thrive in diverse environments, including clinical settings. This Gram-negative bacterium is a major cause of infections in hospitalized patients, particularly those with compromised immune systems (Azam and Khan, 2019). The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant challenge in modern medicine, and P. aeruginosa is particularly notable for its multiple intrinsic resistance mechanisms (Raman et al., 2018). Antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa is rising in many regions, especially resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Notably, AmpC beta-lactamase represents the most diverse category of beta-lactamases. It has been recently observed that mutations enhancing P. aeruginosa’s cephalosporin activity reduce the enzyme’s ability to degrade carbapenems (Cabot et al., 2023).
This research aims to determine the prevalence of P. aeruginosa among clinical specimens, screen for ampC production using cefoxitin disk, and confirm the presence of the ampC gene. Additionally, the study will focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ampC genes using polymerase chain reaction. This understanding can lead to better-characterizing resistance profiles and more precise therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, shedding light on the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa infections will help track the spread of resistant strains and understand the factors contributing to their dissemination. Studying the prevalence of AmpC-producing P. aeruginosa will also provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of resistance. This research will be pivotal in identifying specific ampC genes and understanding their regulation and expression, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of how P. aeruginosa evolves and adapts to antibiotic pressures.
The prevalence of AmpC-producing P. aeruginosa is a significant focus of research due to its impact on infection control and treatment strategies. By elucidating the distribution and mechanisms of resistance, this research will enhance our understanding of P. aeruginosa‘s pathogenicity and resistance profiles. It will also contribute to improving diagnostic methods and treatment options, ultimately helping to address the challenge of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings. This study is expected to provide a comprehensive profile of AmpC-producing P. aeruginosa in Ibadan. By analyzing prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, and genetic factors, the research will contribute to understanding the mechanisms of resistance, inform treatment strategies, and reassure the public about the effectiveness of public health efforts and antibiotic stewardship. The results will guide these efforts to better manage infections caused by resistant strains.
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