phenotypic and Genotypic Detection of Carbapenemases in Clinical Isolates ofAcinetobacter baumannii

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative coccobacillus with a short and round rod-like shape, is an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients, particularly prevalent as a nosocomial infection. A notable characteristic is its diverse antibiotic resistance mechanisms.The isolation of A. baumannii strains in hospitals is becoming more prevalent, presenting an escalating challenge in the treatment process.In the present study involving 400 isolates obtained from diverse sources (blood, urine, wound, and burn swabs), the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) results for( 28)Acinetobacter baumannii isolates revealed pronounced resistance. Notably, resistance rates were notably high for piperacillin (80%) and carbenicillin (81`.2%). Resistance to Imipenem and meropenem stood at 8.4% and 19.8%, respectively, while the highest resistance was recorded against gentamicin (82%), amikacin (72.6%), cefepime (60.8%), cefotaxime (70.2%), ceftazidime (70.2%), and ceftriaxone (71.6%). Molecular detection of Enzymatic genes was executed through PCR testing, revealing that, All 28 isolates (100%) exhibited the presence of the blaOXA-51type gene, a considered pointer for finding of bacteria by PCR. The prevailing MBL gene was blaVIM-type, identified in 12(42.8)% of isolates. Furthermore, 10(35.7% )of isolates carried the blaKPC- gene.In conclusion the identification of these genes (blaOXA-51, blaVIM, and blaKPC-type) in Acinetobacter baumannii . Addressing antibiotic-resistant bacteria challenges healthcare; crucial to understand, monitor, and regulate antibiotic resistance gene dissemination for public health.