Investigation of carbapenemases and aminoglycoside modifying enzymes of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates recovered from patients admitted to intensive care units in a tertiary-care hospital in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION

Acinetobacter baumannii are opportunistic bacteria, highly capable of acquiring antimicrobial resistance through the production of carbapenemases and aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs).

METHODS

Carbapenemase and AME genes were investigated in A. baumannii recovered from inpatients of a Brazilian hospital.

RESULTS

The key genes found were bla OXA-51-like, the association ISAba1- bla OXA-23-like, and the AME genes aph(3´)-VI, aac(6´)-Ib, aac(3)-Ia, and aph(3´)-Ia. Different clusters spread through the institution wards.

CONCLUSIONS

The dissemination of bla OXA-23-like and AME-carrying A. baumannii through the hospital highlights the need for improved preventive measures to reduce the spread of infection.