Evaluation of fortimicin antibiotic combinations against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and resistome analysis of a whole genome sequenced pan-drug resistant isolate

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa is a rising public health concern, challenging the treatment of such a ubiquitous pathogen with monotherapeutic anti-pseudomonal agents. Worryingly, its genome plasticity contributes to the emergence of P. aeruginosa expressing different resistant phenotypes and is now responsible for notable epidemics within hospital settings. Considering this, we aimed to evaluate the synergistic combination of fortimicin with other traditional anti-pseudomonal agents and to analyze the resistome of pan-drug resistant (PDR) isolate.

METHODS: Standard methods were used for analyzing the antimicrobial susceptibility tests. The checkerboard technique was used for the in vitro assessment of fortimicin antibiotic combinations against 51 MDR P. aeruginosa and whole genome sequencing was used to determine the resistome of PDR isolate.

RESULTS: Out of 51 MDR P. aeruginosa, the highest synergistic effect was recorded for a combination of fortimicin with β-lactam group as meropenem, ceftazidime, and aztreonam at 71%, 59% and 43%, respectively. Of note, 56.8%, 39.2%, and 37.2% of the tested MDR isolates that had synergistic effects were also resistant to meropenem, ceftazidime, and aztreonam, respectively. The highest additive effects were recorded for combining fortimicin with amikacin (69%) and cefepime (44%) against MDR P. aeruginosa. Resistome analysis of the PDR isolate reflected its association with the antibiotic resistance phenotype. It ensured the presence of a wide variety of antibiotic-resistant genes (β-lactamases, aminoglycosides modifying enzymes, and efflux pump), rendering the isolate resistant to all clinically relevant anti-pseudomonal agents.

CONCLUSION: Fortimicin in combination with classical anti-pseudomonal agents had shown promising synergistic activity against MDR P. aeruginosa. Resistome profiling of PDR P. aeruginosa enhanced the rapid identification of antibiotic resistance genes that are likely linked to the appearance of this resistant phenotype and may pave the way to tackle antimicrobial resistance issues shortly.