Biofilm-Forming Potential and Virulence Characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Kano State

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is among the most problematic pathogens in diabetic foot ulcer infections, with its biofilm-forming capacity and diverse virulence factors significantly prolonging wound healing and necessitating amputation. This analytical study characterized biofilm formation capacity and key virulence determinants in P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from diabetic foot ulcer patients at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, in the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. P. aeruginosa isolates from 80 diabetic foot ulcer patients were confirmed by biochemical methods. Biofilm quantification was performed by tissue culture plate method. Virulence genes including lasB, toxA, algD, exoU, and exoS were detected by PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and Etest for minimum inhibitory concentration. Biofilm production was detected in 87.5 percent of isolates, with 52.5 percent classified as strong biofilm formers. lasB (elastase) and toxA (exotoxin A) were present in 90 and 78.8 percent of isolates respectively. exoU was detected in 36.3 percent, significantly associated with increased biofilm formation and worse wound outcome. Multi-drug resistance was documented in 72.5 percent of isolates. These data establish a virulence and resistance landscape for P. aeruginosa in Kano diabetic foot infections and support anti-biofilm therapeutic strategies and urgent surgical debridement protocols. Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, biofilm, diabetic foot ulcer, virulence genes, Kano.