Detection of Genes Encoding Metallo-beta-lactamases in Carbapenem Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Background: Drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii have emerged as a major problem in many hospitals and intensive care units. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern and the prevalence of metallobetalactamase genes among nosocomial A. baumannii isolates from Qom/ ran. Methods For this study, a total of 108 A. baumannii isolates were collected from hospitalized patients in four teaching hospitals of Qom/ Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of isolates was tested by KirbyBauer disc diffusion method and distribution of MBL genes among carbapenemresistant isolates was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: According to the results, 97 (89.81%) isolates of 108 A. baumannii isolates were resistant to carbapenem. All isolates carriedbla oxa-51like gene. Among carbapenem resistant isolates, 79.38% carried bla VIM and 1.03% had bla IMP genes. Among the MBL- producing isolates, 7 isolates were MDR, 73 ones were XDR and 5 isolates were PDR. Conclusion: This study also revealed that suceptibility to carbapenems in the population of A. baumannii isolates reduced and the bla VIM gene was the most prevalent metallobetalactamase genotype among carbapenem resistant A. baumannii isolates in this area. MBLproducing A. baumannii in recent years has become a serious concern. Rapid identification and good infection control are requiered to reduce their impact.