Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern and Biofilm-Producing Ability of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from Endotracheal Aspirates in ICU Patients of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Pseudomonas are major pathogens in ICU-associated infections, particularlywith mechanically ventilated patients. Their ability to form biofilm contributes to antibiotic resistance and treatment failure. Objective: To assess and compare the antimicrobial resistance pattern and biofilm-producing ability of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from endotracheal aspirates of ICU patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, from January 2019 to December 2019. A total of 128 endotracheal aspirates were collected from ICU patients who had been intubated for more than 48 hours. Data were collected by questionnaire, and results were analysed by Microsoft Office Excel 2017. Isolation and identification of Pseudomonas spp. were done by standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to CLSI 2019 guidelines. The ability to produce biofilm was detected using the microtiter plate method. Results: Out of 128 samples, Pseudomonas spp.were isolated in 30 cases (23.4%). Among the isolates, 53.3% (n=16) produced biofilm. High levels of resistance were noted against Aztreonam (86.7%), Ciprofloxacin (83.3%), and Ceftriaxone (80.0%). Biofilm-producing strains of Pseudomonas spp.showed comparatively higher resistance, with a significant difference noted in Gentamicin and Piperacillin-Tazobactam sensitivity (p<0.05). Conclusion: More than half of Pseudomonas spp. isolates from endotracheal aspirates produced biofilm and demonstrated multidrug resistance. Biofilm formation was associated with increased resistance against key antibiotics, emphasizing the need for early detection and alternative treatment strategies in ICU settings. J Enam Med Col 2023; 13(3): 98-104