phenotypic and Genotypic Detection of Carbapenemases in Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii

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 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 bla _{OXA- 51} type gene, a considered pointer for finding of bacteria by PCR. The prevailing MBL gene was bla _VIM -type, identified in 12(42.8)% of isolates. Furthermore, 10(35.7%)of isolates carried the bla _{KPC -} gene. In conclusion the identification of these genes ( bla _OXA-51 , bla _VIM , and bla _KPC - type) in Acinetobacter baumannii . Addressing antibiotic-resistant bacteria challenges healthcare; crucial to understand, monitor, and regulate antibiotic resistance gene dissemination for public health.