Production of metallo-β-lactamase among pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated in the State Of Sergipe, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired production of metallo-β-lactamases is an important mechanism of resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The objective of this study was to investigate the production of metallo-β-lactamase and the genetic diversity among ceftazidimeresistant P. aeruginosa isolates from State of Sergipe, Brazil. Methods: Metallo-β-lactamase was investigated using the disk approximation test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genetic diversity was evaluated by pulsed-fi eld gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: A total of 48 (51.6%) isolates were resistant to ceftazidime. Six (12.2%) of these were positive for metallo-β- lactamase production. Only two (4.1%) of the ceftazidime-resistant isolates carried the blaSPM-1 gene. Conclusions: Production of metallo-β-lactamases was not the main mechanism of resistance to ceftazidime and carbapenems among P. aeruginosa strains in Sergipe, Brazil.