Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in Intensive Care Patients

Authors

• Zahraa Dhaher Jabar, Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq AND Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Al-Diwaniyah Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, IraqFollow
• Faten Rashid Hameed, Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq
• Raghad Hassan Hussein, Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized as major pathogen that associated with hospital acquired infections, especially in intensive care units. This study aimed to evaluate virulence traits and antibiotic resistance patterns of P. aeruginosa isolated from tracheal swabs of ICU patients.
Methodology: This study included 57 tracheal swabs obtained from the intensive care unit in Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital from December 2025 to February 2026. Patients of both sexes, aged 5–78 years were included. Antibiotic susceptibility test, biofilm formation and motility tests were performed.
Results: After the final diagnosis, 15 samples were confirmed to P. aeruginosa. AST results reveled high resistance to Imipenem 86.7%, Meropenem 80.0%, while each of Ceftazidime, Ceftolozane\Tazobactam and Gentamicin showed 66.7% resistance. Finally,60.0% resistance was noticed towards Piperacillin\Tazobactam, Ceftazidime\Avibactam, and Amikacin. Furthermore, MDR isolates were the most frequent (40.0%). Strong biofilm formation was the predominant category (53.3%). In motility assays, strong swarming motility was the most common (80.0%), whereas intermediate swimming and twitching motility were frequently observed (66.7% and 86.7%, respectively). Biofilm formation was significantly associated with susceptibility to Ceftolozane\Tazobactam, Piperacillin\Tazobactam and cefepime.
Conclusion: The results show a significant reservoir of airway colonization in the intensive care unit and raises questions about cross-transmission and the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the future.

First Page

162

Last Page

171

Recommended Citation

Jabar, Zahraa Dhaher; Hameed, Faten Rashid; and Hussein, Raghad Hassan (2026) "Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates in Intensive Care Patients," Al-Nisour Journal for Medical Sciences: Vol. 8: Iss. 2, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70492/2664-0554.1175