Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from patients with endophthalmitis using conventional microbiologic techniques and whole genome sequencing

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate antibiotic susceptibility and genomic virulence factor profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from patients with culture-confirmed endophthalmitis. Methods Clinical isolates from patients diagnosed with pseudomonas endophthalmitis were included. Laboratory antibiotic susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing was performed on all isolates. Results In the current study, 8 patients had vitreous culture-confirmed endophthalmitis due to P. aeruginosa. All isolates were multi-drug resistant but sensitive to ceftazidime and each fluoroquinolone tested. Whole genome sequencing revealed a total of 179 unique genes. The most common type of virulence genes included those involved in adherence and the secretion system. Seven of 8 (88%) isolates were of the cytoinvasive phenotype (exoST) and no isolates contained exoU. Conclusions P. aeruginosa associated endophthalmitis is often multi-drug resistant and demonstrates a variety of virulence factors with those involved in adherence and the secretion system being the most common.