Immunological and Molecular Analysis of Virulence and Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Urinary Tract Infections

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen notorious for its role in antibiotic resistance and nosocomial infections. This study investigates immunological markers in UTI with P. aeruginosa. Method: Between June 2022 and January 2023, 150 patients with suspected UTIs and 40 healthy controls were enrolled at AL-Hilla Teaching Hospital. Molecular tests, including PCR for MexA and pareE genes, and ELISA tests for TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-17, were conducted. Results: Out of 150 samples, 20 (13.3%) were culture-negative, while 90 harbored different bacterial species. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 26.6% of samples, with 40% positive for MexA and 70% for pareE genes via PCR. UTI patients with P. aeruginosa showed significantly higher TNF-α (620.53 ± 18.455 ng/ml) and TNF-β levels (630.32 ± 25.150 ng/ml) compared to controls (P <0..01). Conclusion: Elevated levels of IL-12 and IL-17 were observed in P. aeruginosa-infected UTI patients compared to TNF-α levels, highlighting a distinct cytokine profile associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa UTIs.