High Prevalence of blaNDM and blaOXA Carbapenemases in Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from Iraqi Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36330/kmj.v21.i2.19906Abstract
Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a critical nosocomial pathogen with escalating antimicrobial resistance, particularly to carbapenems. Its ability to survive in hospital environments and acquire resistance genes poses a significant challenge in clinical settings. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) has been prioritized by the WHO for urgent research because of its association with high morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility profiles and characterize carbapenem resistance genes (blaOXA-23, blaOXA-48, blaOXA-51, blaNDM, blaVIM) in A. baumannii isolates from Iraqi hospitals. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Babylon and Al-Najaf hospitals (August and November 2024). Of the 125 clinical specimens, 50 A. baumannii isolates were identified using Vitek-2 and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method (CLSI 2024 guidelines). PCR was performed to detect carbapenemase genes. Results: High rates of resistance were observed: 100% for ampicillin, 90% for imipenem, 84% for meropenem, and 93% for blaNDM. The following resistance genes were prevalent: blaOXA-51 (86%), blaNDM (93%), blaOXA-48 (81.3%), and blaOXA-23 (76.7%). All the isolates tested negative for blaVIM. Multidrug resistance (MDR) and extensive drug resistance (XDR) were detected in 38% and 62% of the isolates, respectively. Conclusion: The high prevalence of carbapenem resistance genes, particularly blaNDM and blaOXA-48, highlights the genetic complexity that drives CRAB in Iraqi healthcare settings. These findings highlight the urgent need for robust infection control measures and antibiotic stewardship to curb the spread of XDR A. baumannii.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Ahmed Kadhim Alkhawaja, Zainab Jabber Hadi
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