Media University of Babylon | Master’s Thesis Defense at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon on the Genetic Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance

Media University of Babylon - Faculty of Medicine

Master’s Thesis Defense at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon on the Genetic Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance

By : Zaynab Kadhim Ameen Awadh

Date : 21/12/2025 05:41:09 AM

Master’s Thesis Defense at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon on the Genetic Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Department of Microbiology, witnessed the defense of a Master’s thesis submitted by the student Alaa Salman Kazem, entitled:
“A Molecular Study and Its Relationship to Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Clinical Samples in Babylon Governorate Hospitals.”
The defense session was attended by the Dean of the College of Medicine, Professor Dr. Muhannad Abbass Al-Shalah, the Scientific Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor Dr. Ashraf Mohammed Ali, and was conducted under the supervision of Professor Dr. Huda Hadi Mohammed.
The study addressed P. aeruginosa as a major opportunistic pathogen associated with severe hospital-acquired infections. The research focused on understanding the genetic mechanisms of quinolone resistance, resulting from target site mutations and overexpression of efflux pumps, with the aim of improving therapeutic strategies and combating antimicrobial resistance.
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Laboratory and Epidemiological Findings
The study examined 80 clinical samples (burns, wounds, and sputum) collected from Al-Hilla Teaching Hospital in early 2025. The results showed:
• A 25% isolation rate of P. aeruginosa from the total samples.
• The 31–40-year age group recorded the highest infection rate (40%).
• A statistically significant higher prevalence among females (35.6%) compared with males (11.4%), with a p-value of 0.0034.
• Burn samples showed the highest contamination rate (45%), reflecting the bacterium’s preference for moist and damaged tissues.
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Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilm Formation
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed serious therapeutic challenges. The isolates showed:
• 100% resistance to Cefazolin and Tigecycline.
• Approximately 50% resistance to Imipenem and Ciprofloxacin.
The study also demonstrated a high capacity for biofilm formation, with 85% of isolates producing moderate to strong biofilms. A strong association was identified between biofilm-forming ability and multidrug resistance (MDR).
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Molecular Analysis and Mutation Detection
Advanced techniques were employed, including the Vitek-2 Compact system and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect resistance genes qnrA and qnrS. Sequencing analysis of the gyrA gene revealed key mutations, notably T83I and D87N, which confer high-level resistance to fluoroquinolones.
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Conclusion
The study emphasized the importance of continuous surveillance of genetic mutations in local bacterial strains and the urgent need to strengthen infection control programs, particularly in burn units and surgical wards. This is essential given the significant genetic diversity of local strains and their high adaptability and resistance to conventional treatment protocols.