Molecular Detection of Virulence Genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Different Clinical Specimens of Cows in Baqubah, Iraq

Abstract

Background: The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes opportunistic infections in animals and humans. Many of the infections are caused by several of their virulence factors, including phospholipase C, Exoenzyme S, and Exotoxin A.
Aim: The goal of the study was to isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinical cow case samples in Baquba, Iraq and to determine the prevalence of the virulence associated genes, toxA, exoS, and plcH.
Methods: A total of 168 different samples were collected from various clinical cases, including 53 urine samples, 53 ear samples and 62 milk obtained from infected cows in Baqubah city Samples were taken in hopes of positive bacterial infections. Identification of the bacterial isolate was done through culture, biochemical tests, and the use of the VITEK 2 system. The presence of the genes toxA, exoS, and plcH, were examined through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the use of specific primers
Results: Ten samples collected were positive for P. aeruginosa. Most positive samples were urine samples, and the least positive samples were ear swabs, while milk samples were negative.. Seven of them produced positive colonies on cetrimide agar.. 9 of 10 positive results (90%) for the presence of the gene toxA. displays 5 of 10 (50%) positive results for the presence of the gene exoS. 7 of 10 (70%) were positive for the plcH gene.