Correlation Between the Exou/Exos  Genotype, Biofilm Formation, and Antibiotic  Resistance in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa  Isolated from Burn Wound Infections

Maryam Ali  Raouf; Husam Sabah  Auhim

Maryam Ali Raouf Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad
Husam Sabah Auhim Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad

Keywords: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, exoU/exoS Genotype, Type III Secretion System, Burn Wound Infections, Biofilm Formation

Abstract

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is widely recognised as theprimary etiological agent for serious infections in burn patients worldwide.
Objective: To examine the frequency of the exoU/exoS genotype in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from burn wound infections in Iraq and its correlation with antibiotic resistance.
Methodology: 80 P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from patients diagnosed with burn wound infections in Iraqi hospitals. The isolates were initially identified by biochemical methods and subsequently confirmed by molecular techniques. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the exoU/exoS genotype. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disc diffusion method, and biofilm production was assessed by the microtiter plates method.
Results: This study found four distinct genotypes in burn wound infections, with substantial differences (P < 0.001). Most P. aeruginosa isolates form biofilm (96.25%; 77/80) at different intensities, with significant differences (p < 0.05) and a statistically significant correlation with an (exoS+\exoU-) genotype. The (exoS+\exoU+) genotype was more antibiotic-sensitive. While the (exoS-\exoU+) genotype was more
antibiotic-resistant than other genotypes. The genotype exoU+\exoS- correlated significantly with fluoroquinolone antibiotic susceptibility, resulting in substantial resistance rates against ciprofloxacin and
levofloxacin. While the genotype exoU+\exoS+ showed a statistically significant correlation with susceptibility to cephalosporin antibiotic groups (ceftazidime and cefepime), the sensitivity rate was higher
than other genotypes.
Conclusion: These results suggested that genotype influences antibiotic resistance, posing a concern, as horizontal gene transfer of the exoU gene can increase antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa.
Keywords: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, exoU/exoS Genotype, Type III Secretion System, Burn Wound Infections, Biofilm Formation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202625

How to cite this article:
Raouf M A, Auhim H S. Correlation Between the Exou/Exos Genotype, Biofilm Formation, and
Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Burn Wound Infections. J Commun
Dis. 2026;58(2):17-27.

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