Incidence and Susceptibility Pattern of Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Producers Among Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated From Burn Patients at Kurdistan Province

Background: infection with metallo-beta-lactamase (mbl)-producing organisms, particularly pseudomonas aeruginosa, is associated with higher mortality and morbidity rates and health care costs. objective: in this study, we aimed to determine the etiology of burns and the incidence and susceptibility patterns of metallo-beta-lactamase producers among p. aeruginosa samples that were isolated from burn patients in kurdistan province. patients and methods: a total of 176 clinical specimens were received for p. aeruginosa testing. antimicrobial susceptibility testing, determination of mic, and detection of mbl-producing p. aeruginosa strains were performed per clsi guidelines. results: during the study period, 145 burn patients were admitted to the burn unit of tohid hospital. their mean age and total body surface area (tbsa) were 29 years and 37.7 %, respectively. the mean length of hospital stay was 10 days. kerosene was the most common cause of burns (60 %), followed by gas (30 %). in the 176 clinical specimens from burn patients, 100 p. aeruginosa isolates were identified. the antibiotic to which most bacteria were resistant was ampicillin (100 %), and the most effective antibiotic was meropenem. of the 100 p. aeruginosa isolates, 22 (22 %) were positive for mbl production, of which 8 were resistant to imipenem. conclusions: of all burn injuries, 87 (60 %) patients were caused by kerosene, which is used primarily by people in low-income groups to light lamps. our results demonstrate the serious threat of the spread of metallo-beta-lactamase producers; thus, systematic surveillance for detecting mbl producers is necessary.