Detection of Novel L-arginase Gene Sequences from Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Soil and Sewage Samples

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for its flexibility and importance as both a pathogen and a model organism for genetic studies. This investigation was conducted to detect L-arginase enzyme gene sequences from P. aeruginosa in soil and sewage samples.Methods: Soil and sewage samples were collected from different regions in Iraq for six months, from November 2022 to April 2023. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated by culturing samples on nutrient medium and McConkey agar medium. Gram stains and biochemical tests were performed to identify the isolates, and the VITEK 2 system was used to confirm the identity of P. aeruginosa. DNA was extracted from the P. aeruginosa isolates and used for molecular identification by amplifying and sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Also, the L-arginase gene sequences were amplified using the PARG1 and PARG2 primers.Results: Out of 52 soil and sewage samples, 33 isolates (63.5%) of P. aeruginosa were identified, including 15 (28.8%) from soil and 18 (34.6%) from sewage. Among these, 9 (60.0%) of the soil isolates and 12 (66.7%) of the sewage isolates produced L-arginase.Conclusion: The present study's findings revealed presence of the L-arginase enzyme from P. aeruginosa isolates derived from soil and wastewater samples. This research is considered a crucial step toward understanding the genetic structure and functions of L-arginase in P. aeruginosa, providing insights for future scientific investigations.