Determination of Some Virulence Factors in ESKAPE Group Associated with Bacterial Ulcers Infections in Al-Najaf-Iraq

ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) are among the most common opportunistic pathogens in nosocomial infection. Colonization of the ulcers by potentially ESKAPE group bacteria constitutes the threat of their transmission to various human tissues and organs. Thus, there is an increased risk of the development of general infections, which would be particularly serious for persons with impaired immunity; such a health risk should be taken into consideration. A total of 104 specimens were collected from patients suffering from different types of ulcers infections included 77 (74%) diabetic foot ulcers, 15 (14.5%) bed ulcer, and 12 (11.5%) Varicose dermatitis infections for each sex with age groups from 23-67 years. Identification of bacterial isolates was first made by the bacteriological methods including colonial morphology, Gram stain, and other biochemical tests. Identification of all suspected bacterial isolates was confirmed by the automated vitek-2 compact system using GP and GN-ID cards. The ability of ESKAPE group to form biofilm was detected by using microtiter plates (MTP). The results showed that all isolates were produced of biofilm (100%).

Also, the results indicated that 2 P. aeruginosa isolates were the best of isolates form biofilms, its absorbance value was 3.3995, while K4 and K7 showed the highest biofilm formation where the absorbance value was (3.3995).