{Reference Type}: Journal Article {Title}: Genetic profile and characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii post-COVID-19 pandemic: a study in a tertiary hospital in Recife, Brazil. {Author}: Rocha IV;Martins LR;Pimentel MIS;Mendes RPG;Lopes ACS; {Journal}: J Appl Microbiol {Volume}: 135 {Issue}: 6 {Year}: 2024 Jun 3 {Factor}: 4.059 {DOI}: 10.1093/jambio/lxae148 {Abstract}: OBJECTIVE: 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.
RESULTS: 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.
CONCLUSIONS: The accumulation of genetic resistance determinants underscores the necessity for stringent infection control measures and robust antimicrobial stewardship programs to curb multidrug-resistant strains.