Isolation and Molecular Identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Clinical Samples Using PCR

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen responsible for diverse hospital- and community-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients and those with burn wounds, chronic illnesses, or implanted medical devices. Its multidrug resistance and virulence factors, including elastase (lasB) and exotoxin S (exoS), complicate treatment and increase morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to isolate and characterize clinical P. aeruginosa strains from various infections in Ramadi Teaching Hospital and to determine the prevalence of lasB and exoS genes using multiplex PCR. A total of 305 diabetic foot ulcer (n=80) burns (n=90), and postsurgical isolates (n=305) were obtained. wounds (n = 75) and otitis infections (n = 60). P. aeruginosa confirmed use. biochemical assay. LasB was identified in 44.9% and exoS in 24.6% of isolates using Multiplex PCR. Both genes exoS and lasB were the most detected. In contrast, otitis isolates contained low exoS but a high prevalence of lasB detection with percentages 17.8% andv89.2% respectively. Both diabetic foot ulcers and post-operative wounds showed high lasB and moderate exoS. The kind of infection and elastase functions lead to difference in exoS expression. In this study PCR demonstrates its ability for rapid, sensitive detection of virulent genes, supporting targeted therapy and enhanced infection control. Epidemiological insights and clinical strategist tar