Relationship between genes pelA and biofilm density in clinical isolates Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative pathogen that causes major infections in patients with weak body defense mechanisms. The pelA gene encodes the Pel polysaccharide for the production of cationic charged polysaccharides, and expression of the polysaccharide-encoding locus (pelA) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is essential for biofilm formation. Objective: analyzing the relationship between the pelA gene and biofilm density in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Method: analytical observational research design with consecutive sampling, a total sample of 33 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pelA gene was detected using a PCR tool (SimpliAmp™Thermal Cycler) and biofilm density examination was examined using a BioRad iMark Microplate Reader. Results: thirty-three clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, the results of pelA gene detection showed that 31 (93,9 %) isolates were positive for the pelA gene and 2 (6,1 %) isolates were negative for the pelA gene. The results of the biofilm density examination showed that 4 (12,1 %) clinical isolates did not produce biofilm, 10 (30,3 %) clinical isolates had weak biofilm production, 13 (39,4 %) clinical isolates had moderate biofilm production, 6 (18,2 %) isolates had strong biofilm production. The pelA gene has a relationship with biofilm density (p = 0,011) with moderate relationship strength. Conclusion: the pelA gene was moderately associated with biofilm density in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This suggests that the pelA gene plays an important role in biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains which may contribute to its pathogenic properties, especially in patients with weakened immune mechanisms.