Molecular investigation of prevalence, phenotypic and genotypic diversity, antibiotic resistance, frequency of virulence genes and genome sequencing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from lobster

Aim: Aquatic organisms are too susceptible to the increased growth of bacterial contamination. It seems that preventive measures should be prioritized to reduce bacterial load, and improve the health situation of marine -based product consumers. Hence, this study is aimed at molecular investigation of the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as one of the most food-borne pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factor encoding gens in lobster samples. Methodology: After the collection of aquatic samples from Isfahan and Chabahar city during the summer and autumn seasons, they were cultured, and confirmed by biochemistry tests. Then, they were investigated for antibiotic resistance by the Kirby Bauer method. Then, antibiotic resistance, virulence factor encoding genes, and Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) patterns were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS through chi-square tests.Results: Bacterial contamination in samples taken from Isfahan city was higher than in Chabahar city despite having a cooler climate on summer days. Antibiotic resistance to piperacillin in fresh shrimp samples taken in summer In Isfahan city was contrary to its usage as a front-line antibiotic agent for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Lowered MDR pattern in frozen samples, was related to the varied expression of antibiotic resistance, high-lighting the importance of regulations for cold chain in storage, transportation, and distribution of marine samples, especially when compared to fresh shrimps.Conclusion: Food-borne pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and their virulence factors are of clinical and environ-mental importance. Results of our study indicated a high rate of frequency for Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from marine samples, antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance encoding genes, virulence factors encoding genes, and MDR. Maintenance of the cold chain, and proper food processing, have indispensable roles in the preservation, and reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequency in aquatic organisms.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factor encoding genes in lobster samples. The results showed that bacterial contamination in the samples was not directly related to the cooler climate in summer. The analysis of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance encoding genes, and Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) patterns highlighted the importance of maintaining the cold chain in the storage, transportation, and distribution of marine samples.