KPC-2 producing Pseudomonas putida as an unexpected pathogen of catheter-associated bloodstream infection.

Infections due to multidrug resistant Gram-negative pathogens are of great concern worldwide, as they are frequently associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. The occurrence of Pseudomonas spp. producing Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPCs) imposes a great challenge through treatment course of bloodstream infections (BSIs). Pseudomonas putida has been recognized as an emerging pathogen of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). Therefore, we aimed to report a case of a non-fatal case of peripheral line associated BSI (PLA-BSI) in an immunocompromised host due to P. putida harboring blaKPC-2 gene in Brazil. A P. putida isolate was recovered from a blood culture of a 72-year-old man admitted at a University Hospital, identified by BD Phoenix™ 100 (Becton, Dickinson and Company), causing PLA-BSI. The species identification was confirmed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and resistance to carbapenems were confirmed by Epsilometer test (E-test®). Additionally, the presence of important carbapenemases genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48-like, blaSPM, blaIMP, blaVIM) was investigated by Polymerase Chain Reaction. The bacterial isolate was confirmed as meropenem resistant P. putida harboring blaKPC-2 gene.Thereofre, these fidings suggest that P. putida can work as a reservoir for resistance genes as this bacterium has the ability to disseminate through water-fluids inside hospital and community settings. Moreover, this paper highlights that a frequent and worldwide disseminated mechanism of resistance (blaKPC-2) is currently occurring among uncommon agents of BSI.

Effect of Pseudomonas putida on growth and anthocyanin pigment in two poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) cultivars.

Pseudomonas putida is plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that have the capacity to improve growth in plants. The purpose of this study was to determine growth and anthocyanin pigmentation of the bracts in two poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima cultivars (Prestige and Sonora Marble) using three strains of P. putida, as well as a mixture of the three (MIX). Comparison with the control group indicated for the most part that Prestige grew better than the Sonora Marble cultivars with the PGPR strains. Prestige with the MIX strain grew better compared to control for the number of cyathia (83 versus 70.4), volume of roots (45 versus 3 cm(3)), number of leaves (78 versus 58), and area of leaf (1,788 versus 1,331 cm(2)), except for the number of flowers (8.8 versus 11.6). To the naked eye, coloration of plants appeared identical in color compared to the control group. For all plants with P. putida strains, there was less anthocyanin pigment, but biomass was always greater with PGPR strains. Nevertheless, to the naked eye, the coloration of the plants appeared identical in color compared to the control group. This is the first study reporting the positive effects of P. putida rhizobacteria treatments on growth of poinsettia cultivars.

Assessing the safety of Pseudomonas putida introduction in the environment: an overview of ecotoxicological tests.

Risk assessment guidelines for the environmental release of microbial agents are performed in a tiered sequence which includes evaluation of exposure effects on non-target organisms. However, it becomes important to verify whether environmental risk assessment from temperate studies is applicable to tropical countries, as Brazil. Pseudomonas putida is a bacteria showing potential to be used for environmental applications as bioremediation and plant disease control. This study investigates the effects of this bacteria exposure on rodents and aquatic organisms (Daphnia similis) that are recommended to be used as non-target organism in environmental risk assessments. Also, the microbial activity in three different soils under P. putida exposure was evaluated. Rats did not show clinical alterations, although the agent was recovered 16h after the exposure in lung homogenates. The bacteria did not reduce significantly the reproduction and survival of D. similis. The soil enzymatic activities presented fluctuating values after inoculation with bacteria. The measurement of perturbations in soil biochemical characteristics is presented as an alternative way of monitoring the overall effects of the microbial agent to be introduced even in first stage (Tier I) of the risk assessment in tropical ecosystems.

Characterization of an integron carrying blaIMP-1 and a new aminoglycoside resistance gene, aac(6')-31, and its dissemination among genetically unrelated clinical isolates in a Brazilian hospital.

Seven bla(IMP-1)-harboring Acinetobacter sp. isolates and one Pseudomonas putida clinical isolate were recovered from hospitalized patients. All isolates possessed a class 1 integron, named In86, carrying the same cassette array [bla(IMP1), aac(6')-31, and aadA1], which was plasmid located in five of the isolates. This report describes the ability of nonfermentative nosocomial pathogens to acquire and disseminate antimicrobial resistance determinants.