Molecular Detection of some Efflux Pump Genes among Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii   is a bacterium of considerable importance that is frequently linked to nosocomial infections, notably within the confines of intensive care units (ICUs). This specific bacteria , known for its opportunistic behaviour, can be easily acquired from many sources like water, soil, and healthcare establishments. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of resistance exhibited by Acinetobacter baumannii   strains that were isolated from the intensive care units (ICUs) of Diwaniyah Hospitals. Over a span of six months, specifically from January to June 2023, a total of 100 specimens were gathered from the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of hospitals in Diwaniyah. The isolates were identified as A. baumannii through the use of traditional phenotypic and biochemical testing, and this identification was further validated by conducting PCR assays targeting the 16sRNA and blaOXA-51like gene. The susceptibility of isolates was assessed using the standard disk diffusion method.  From total of 100 sputum sample, 20 isolates were identified as A. baumannii. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates showed that 100 % of isolates were resistant to Azithromycin and ceftriaxone, 85% to Levofloxacin, 100% to imipenem meropenem. The results of the study demonstrated that the presence of adeA, adeB, and abeR genes in A. baumannii isolates was seen in all isolates The findings of this investigation demonstrated a notable level of resistance exhibited by A. baumannii towards a diverse array of antimicrobial agents.