Plasmid mediated amikacin resistance in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Ten multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, obtained from hospitalized burn patients, were selected for plasmid detection, curing and transformation experiments. These isolates were also studied for plasmid mediated resistance. All the isolates were found to harbour R plasmid. Curing and transformation experiments showed that resistance to amikacin was plasmid mediated. -lactamase production was also tested. It is suggested that plasmids should be characterised in all MDR P. aeruginosa strains and a nation wide antibiotic policy should be made to minimise the emergence of drug resistance.