Characterization and Resistance Patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Burn Patients in Al-Diwaniyah City, Iraq

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a major cause of burn wound infection. This study aimed to investigate virulence traits and antibiotic resistance patterns of P. aeruginosa in burned patients. Methodology: This study included 44 burn swabs collected from patients who attended Burn Specialty Center in Al-Diwaniyah City, Iraq from December 2025 to February 2026. The ages of patients ranged between 1 and 85 years, and both sexes were included. Antibiotic susceptibility test, biofilm formation and motility tests were performed. Results: After the final diagnosis, 24 samples (54.5%) were confirmed to P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic susceptibility test results reveled resistance (50.0%) to Piperacillin\Tazobactam, Ceftazidime, Ceftazidime\Avibactam, Ceftolozane\Tazobactam and Gentamicin each, while each of Imipenem, Amikacin, and Ciprofloxacin showed 45.8% resistance. Furthermore, MDR isolates constituted (41.67%). Moderate biofilm formation was the predominant category (66.67%). In motility assays, strong swarming motility was observed in (54.2%) of the isolates only.  Whereas intermediate swimming and twitching motility were frequently observed (41.67% and 91.67%, respectively). Biofilm formation was significantly associated with resistance patterns and with susceptibility status to most studied antibiotics. Conclusion: There is correlation between biofilm formation and antimicrobial profile of isolates.