Molecular Study of Plasmid Genes Ampc of Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Clinical Cases Using Multiplex PCR

Background and Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that remains persistent in the environment for a long time. The eradication of this bacteria is difficult, since it has the ability to acquire antibiotic resistance. The aims of this study were to identify the ampC plasmid-mediated genes and antibiotic sensitivity of Acinetobacter baumannii strains.
Sixty strains of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from wound, urine, blood, and respiratory secretions were used. The presence of ampC plasmid-mediated genes including FOX, MOX, DHA, ACC and CIT were evaluated by Multiplex PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 5 antibiotics was performed for all isolates.
Multiplex PCR results showed that 39 samples (65%) had the CIT gene, 36 (60%) had the DHA gene, 12 (20%) had the MOX gene and 8 samples (13.3%) harboured ACC and FOX genes. Based on antibiogram results, the highest rate of resistance was found to cefepime (95%) and the highest rate of sensitivity was to gentamicin (45%).
Current study showed a high percentage of ampC plasmid-mediated genes and also high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.