Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Science, International University of Erbil, Erbil, Iraq.
2
Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Iraq.
3
Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Shaqlawa Technical College, Erbil Polytechnic University, Erbil, Iraq.
4
Department of Animal Resources, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Iraq.
10.22092/ari.2024.366860.3300
Abstract
Introduction: Acinetobacter baumannii is a dangerous opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of various infections, particularly in healthcare settings, affecting immunocompromised individuals. It is a significant source of nosocomial infections due to its ability to produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemase enzymes, making it a major concern for antibiotic resistance.
Materials & Methods: To investigate the significant occurrence of ESBL-producing A. baumannii in hospitalized individuals, a total of 250 clinical specimens were obtained cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar media. Identification of isolates was conducted using both conventional microbiological techniques and the automated VITEK 2 system. Duplicate isolates and specimens from colonization-prone sites, including throat and perianal areaswere excluded. Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL production were evaluated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards.
Results: Out of 250 clinical specimens, 60(24%) out of 250 were culture-positive for A. baumannii infection. Thirty out of sixty isolates (50%) showed an A. baumannii infection that produced ESBL. 86.67% of the isolated bacteria exhibited multidrug resistance overall (52/60). Resistance profiling revealed that amikacin had the greatest resistance rate among the 60 isolates (100%), while tigecycline showed the lowest resistance rate among just 10 isolates (16.67%). Notably, colistin demonstrated complete efficacy, with a 0.00% resistance rate, making it the most effective antibiotic against A. baumannii in this study. The presence of ESBL genes were correlated with antibiotic resistance, particularly with cephalosporin medicines.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study highlights the prevalence of ESBL-producing A. baumannii strains, emphasizing the need for cautious antibiotic use and systematic monitoring of resistance mechanisms. The emergence of new ESBL strains necessitates continuous surveillance and further research on other ESBL-associated genes.
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