Development of multiplex PCR for rapid detection of metallo-β-lactamase genes in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii

Background and Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii has been known as a major pathogen causing nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to develop multiplex PCR for rapid and simultaneous detection of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) genes in clinical isolates of A. baumannii. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used three sets of primers to amplify the MBL genes including blaOXA-48, blaOXA-23 and blaNDM. The multiplex PCR assay was optimized for rapid and simultaneous detection of MBL genes in A. baumannii strains recovered from clinical samples. Results: A. baumannii strains recovered from clinical samples were subjected to the study. The multiplex PCR produced 3 bands of 501 bp for blaOXA-23, 744 bp for blaOXA-48 and 623 bp for blaNDM genes. In addition to, no any cross-reactivity was observed in multiplex PCR. Conclusion: Based on obtained data, the multiplex PCR had a good specificity without any cross reactivity and it appears that the multiplex PCR is reliable assay for simultaneous detection of MBL genes in A. baumannii strains.