# Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates in Egypt: phenotypic, genotypic, and antibiofilm assessment of Pluronic F-127

## TL;DR

This study examines Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in Egypt, focusing on their biofilm formation and resistance to antibiotics, and finds that Pluronic F-127 effectively inhibits biofilm formation.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the evaluation of Pluronic F-127 as a biofilm inhibitor against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Egypt.

## Key findings

- Pluronic F-127 inhibited 78% of strong biofilm-forming isolates at 1.25 mg/ml.
- Most isolates (94%) were biofilm producers, with high resistance to ceftazidime.
- QS genes lasR and rhlR were detected in 85% and 89% of isolates, respectively.

## Abstract

Virulence factors play an important role in developing bacterial resistance leading to the increased severity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Several genes encoding for virulence factors is coordinated by the quorum sensing (QS) system. In the present study, the prevalence of virulence genes, particularly those involved in controlling biofilm formation, and their correlation with antibiotic resistance patterns was investigated. The ability of the pathogens to form biofilm and the impact of Pluronic F-127 as a potential biofilm inhibitor was assessed.

A total of 118 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were collected. The highest resistance rates were observed against ceftazidime (94%), while colistin was the most effective followed by polymyxin B with sensitivity rate 72% and 59%, respectively. Out of 118 isolates: 111 (94%) were biofilm producers, 24.6% of them were strong. The QS genes; lasR and rhlR, were detected in 85% and 89% of the isolates, respectively, toxA gene in 95% and ampC gene in 69% of the isolates. Pluronic F-127 was confirmed as a biofilm inhibitor in lowest concentration used 1.25 mg/ml which inhibits 78% of strong biofilm forming isolates and has better effect on detachment of established biofilm by 90% of biofilm forming isolates.

The ability of bacteria to form biofilms contributes greatly to the development of antibiotic resistance, which leads to the occurrence of persistent and chronic bacterial illnesses. Many isolates exhibited moderate to strong biofilm forming ability, which showed a high resistance pattern. The results demonstrated that Pluronic F-127 has a promising level of biofilm inhibition and detachment in most isolates. It has a chance to serve as a substitute means for combating biofilm formation.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-025-03946-0.