title: Metallo-beta-Lactamase VIM-1, SPM-1, and IMP-1 Genes Among Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Species Isolated in Zahedan, Iran.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the major clinical problems regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa is attributed to metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL). This group of enzymes is a subset of beta lactamases which belong to group B of Ambler classification and cause hydrolysis of carbapenems. Based on epidemiological studies conducted worldwide, it is proved that prevalence of genes coding MBLs in P. aeruginosa species are different in various geographic zones and even in various hospitals. Therefore, according to the clinical importance of organisms generating MBLs, it is necessary to identify and control these bacteria in hospitals for therapeutic purposes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The current study aimed to investigate the Metallo-beta-Lactamase VIM-1, SPM-1, and IMP-1 genes among clinical P. aeruginosa species isolated in Zahedan, Iran.
  
  
  METHODS
  The current study investigated the presence of MBL through phenotypic and genotypic methods and also the pattern of antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa species isolated in hospitals. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against imipeneme was measured for 191 P. aeruginosa species isolated from Zahedan hospitals after identification through biochemical methods and determination of the antibiotic resistance pattern. Strains with MIC > 4 µg/mL were studied by phenotypic and genotypic methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of resistance against imipeneme was 5.7% and after carrying out the phenotypic experiments, nine species were identified as of MBL producer. Seven species were confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Gene VIM-1 was the predominant gene among the positive (antibiotic resistant) species.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study results showed that MBL genes were present in some of the species isolated from Zahedan hospitals. Regarding the importance of MBL producer bacteria in hospitals, quick identification and evaluation of these clinical species can be considered as an important and basic step for treatment and control of pseudomonad infections.
authors.affiliation: Neurosciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Mehdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghamgosha
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Shahram
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahrekizahedani
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Farshid
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kafilzadeh
authors.affiliation: Infectious Disease and Tropical Medical Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Zakaria
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Bameri
authors.affiliation: Nanobiotechnology Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Ramezan Ali
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Taheri
authors.affiliation: Applied Biotechnology Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Gholamreza
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Farnoosh
keywords: Antibiotic Resistance; Imipeneme; Metallo-beta-lactamase; Pseudomonas aeruginosa