Distribution and Molecular Characterization of Antibiotic-Resistant <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> in Hospital Settings of Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> is a significant pathogen in hospital settings, notorious for its role in hospital-acquired infections and its ability to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study investigates the prevalence, distribution, and antibiotic resistance gene profiles of <i>P. aeruginosa</i> in seven hospitals in Sulaymaniyah City. A total of 300 samples were collected from various hospital surfaces including mops, sinks, medical equipment, beds, desks, and floors. Using bacteriological, biochemical, and molecular methods, 66 isolates were confirmed as <i>Pseudomonas</i> species, with 26 identified as <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance rates of 23.3% to streptomycin, 13.6% to tobramycin, 22.7% to moxifloxacin, 21.2% to levofloxacin, and 22.7% to norfloxacin. Furthermore, the antibiotic resistance gene detection showed the presence of the <i>bla</i> _CTX-M, <i>bla</i> _SHV, <i>qnr</i>B, and <i>bla</i> _ACC-1 genes among the isolates. The study highlights a 22% contamination rate of hospital surfaces with <i>Pseudomonas</i> species, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced infection control measures and targeted antimicrobial stewardship to manage and reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant <i>P. aeruginosa</i>.