Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a nosocomial pathogen which especially causes infections among burn patients. Carbapenems are extensively used for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. The emergence of carbapenemases producing isolates is an outcome of increased utilization of carbapenems. The aim of this study was to determine the bla_-IMP-1 and bla_-IMP-2 genes in metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) -producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn patients in Isfahan.

Material and Methods: A total of 150 P. aeruginosa were isolated from burn patients hospitalized in Imam-Mousakazem hospital in Isfahan. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using disk diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) was carried out for screening of MBL production in imipenem-resistant strains. PCR assays were used for detection of bla_-IMP-1 and bla_-IMP-2 genes among metallo-β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. The purified PCR products were sequenced.

Results: Of 150 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, %100 identified as multi-drug resistant strains. The most resistance rates were seen against ciprofloxacin, tobromycin, meropenem and imipenem. All of 144 imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were MBL producing by DDST test. Twenty-nine (19.3%) and 8(5.3%) MBL producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates harbored bla_-IMP-1 and bla_-IMP-2 genes respectively.

Conclusions: According to results of this study high level resistance to imipenem and MBl genes carriage was seen among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn patient infections in our region.