Assessment of Virulence Genes and Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Poultry Carcasses

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major human pathogen, poses a significant threat to food, particularly meat products, due to its aggressiveness and drug resistance. Research aims to identify and analyze P. aeruginosa samples from poultry carcasses, examining their antimicrobial resistance and potential pathogenicity patterns. A total of 670 samples of poultry carcasses were gathered from slaughterhouses and shopping centers. Biochemical testing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeted the oprL gene, and culture-based techniques were used to identify the isolates. The virulence factors were identified both genotypically (by PCR amplification of exoS, toxA, and lasB) and phenotypically (by detection of hemolysin, protease, elastase, and biofilm formation). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26) to evaluate the results and determine associations between antibiotic resistance profiles and phenotypic virulence features. P. aeruginosa was identified from 102 samples (15.2%) out of 670 samples. Protease activity was identified in 69.6% of these isolates, hemolysin synthesis in 76.5%, and biofilm formation in 83.3%. According to PCR data, 58.8% of the isolates had exoS, 51.9% had toxA, and 64.7% had lasB. Ceftazidime (61.7%) and ciprofloxacin (52.9%) showed high resistance, with 48.0% of cases being categorized as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Public health is likely to be at risk due to the presence of virulent, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in poultry carcasses, which emphasizes better hygiene management and antimicrobial surveillance in poultry processing.