Abstract

• • Objectives: The prevalence of Beta-lactamase producing strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), which is an important etiological agent of nosocomial infections, has been reported widely. Therefore, proper and rapid detection of carbapenemase producing isolates is essential. Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of bla-IMP gene in carbapenem resistant P.aeruginosa strains isolated from Minia university hospitals. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted through the period of June 2018 to September 2018, on 40 P.aeruginosa strains isolated from different specimens, carbapenem resistant strains were collected and evaluated for bla-IMP gene expression using PCR. Results: Out of 40 P.aeruginosa strains, 26 isolates were carbapenem resistant using (Vitek-2, bioMérieux, France) expressing bla-IMP gene was in 46%. Conclusion: Resistance to Carbapenems in our hospitals have started to constitute a significant problem, which require proper diagnosis and effective treatment. The most effective antibiotic against carbapenem resistant isolates in this study was colistin. Genetic investigations for most common genes responsible for carbapenem resistance are recommended to identify the major cause of resistance and should be applied on a large number of clinical specimens. However, this could be limited due to its high cost.