Frequency of IMP-1 and VIM Genes among Metallo-beta-Lactamase Producing Acinetobacter spp. Isolated from Health Care Associated Infections in Northeast of Iran

The emergence and rapid spread of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing Acinetobacter spp. are of great concern worldwide due to limited treatment options. Epidemiologic studies of the causing genes are important for prevention. In this study, 70 imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter strains were isolated from health care associated infections. These isolates were screened for detection of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) using inhibitor potentiated disk diffusion tests with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). PCR was designed for detection of bla vim and bla imp-1 using specific primers. Among these 70 strains, 50 strains appeared to produce metallo-beta-lactamase. Three isolates were detected by PCR to carry metallo-beta-lactamase gene bla vim, but bla imp-1 gene was not detected. These findings suggest that in our area other genetic elements are responsible for resistance against metallo-beta-lactams.