Investigation of virulence genes and characterization of resistance to antimicrobials and heavy metals in environmental isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen which can possess numerous virulence factors that confers to it the ability to cause severe, acute and chronic infections. Due to its metabolic versatility and adaptability to a wide range of environments, species of P. aeruginosa have been well adapted to the selective pressures of the environment. In this sense, there are studies in the literature that demonstrate the development of resistance to heavy metals in soils contaminated with these pollutants. Some studies even indicate that the development of resistance to heavy metals have a serious implication since it may contribute to the concomitant emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, the simultaneous resistance to both antimicrobial and heavy metals associated with the presence of virulence genes, representing a potential threat to human health and environmental balance. Thus, this study aims to isolate and characterize 50 isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from soil samples with different cultures from the five Brazilian regions. These bacteria will be evaluated for antimicrobial and heavy metals resistance and presence of virulence genes. (AU)