Genetic profile and characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii post-COVID-19 pandemic: a study in a tertiary hospital in Recife, Brazil

• Published in: Journal of applied microbiology 2024-06, Vol.135 (6)
• Main Authors: Rocha, Igor Vasconcelos, Martins, Lamartine Rodrigues, Pimentel, Maria Izabely Silva, Mendes, Renata Pessôa Germano, Lopes, Ana Catarina de Souza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acinetobacter baumannii - drug effects; Acinetobacter baumannii - genetics; Acinetobacter baumannii - isolation & purification; Acinetobacter Infections - drug therapy; Acinetobacter Infections - epidemiology; Acinetobacter Infections - microbiology; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Bacterial Proteins - genetics; beta-Lactamases - genetics; Brazil; COVID-19; Drug Resistance, Bacterial - genetics; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial - genetics; Female; Humans; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2 - genetics; Tertiary Care Centers
• ISSN: 1365-2672; 1365-2672
• DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae148

To investigate the genetic profile and characterize antimicrobial resistance, including the main β-lactam antibiotic resistance genes, in Acinetobacterbaumannii isolates from a tertiary hospital in Recife-PE, Brazil, in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were collected between 2023 and 2024 from diverse clinical samples. Antimicrobial resistance testing followed standardized protocols, with β-lactamase-encoding genes detected via PCR and sequencing. Investigation into ISAba1 upstream of blaOXA-carbapenemase and blaADC genes was also conducted. Genetic diversity was assessed through ERIC-PCR. Among the 78 A. baumannii, widespread resistance to multiple antimicrobials was evident. Various acquired β-lactamase-encoding genes (blaOXA-23,-24,-58,-143, blaVIM, and blaNDM) were detected. Furthermore, this is the first report of blaVIM-2 in A. baumannii isolates harboring either the blaOXA-23-like or the blaOXA-143 gene in Brazil. Molecular typing revealed a high genetic heterogeneity among the isolates, and multi-clonal dissemination. The accumulation of genetic resistance determinants underscores the necessity for stringent infection control measures and robust antimicrobial stewardship programs to curb multidrug-resistant strains.