Specific type IV pili groups in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

The relationships between specific type IV pili (TFP) groups and antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and bacterial motility were determined in 190 Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. While motility and biofilm formation were determined by phenotypic assays, the presence of TFP was determined by PCR assay and antibiotic susceptibility by disk diffusion. The results showed a high ability to form biofilm (97.4%), multidrug resistance (44.7%), and the presence of a high number of motile isolates. We also found an association between strong biofilm production and multidrug resistance. Furthermore, TFP group III was associated with strong biofilm production. In contrast, the isolates with TFP group II and those without any TFP were associated with non-strong biofilm production. Regarding motility, TFP group II was associated with higher percentages of swarming, swimming, and twitching, while TFP group I showed lower percentages of swarming and twitching, and TFP group III showed lower levels of swarming and swimming. In conclusion, these findings highlight the differences in P. aeruginosa phenotypes related to the presence of specific TFP groups and their potential implications in clinical settings.