PHENOTYPIC DETECTION OF METALLO BETA LACTAMASE IN CARBAPENEM RESISTANT ACINETOBACTER SPECIES IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Acinetobacter causes a wide range of illness in debilitated and hospitalized patients. Carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter species is an emerging problem and is a cause of concern as many nosocomial infections with Acinetobacter species are resistant to most other antibiotics. The present study was aimed to study metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) production in Acinetobacter species. Data Material and Methods: was collected retrospectively from October 2021 to March 2022. Out of all the clinical samples obtained (respiratory secretions, pus, blood & urine), all Carbapenem resistant isolates of Acinetobacter species were included. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by standard Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. MBL detection was done by imipenem-EDTA combined disk method and Modied Hodge test. Out of total Results: 325 Acinobacter isolates isolated from intensive care unit (ICU), 228 were found to be carbapenem (Imipenem & Meropenem) resistant and these were further processed for MBL production. Out of 228 Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter isolates 198 (86.84%) and 170 (74.56%) were found MBL producer by Combined Disc test and Modied Hodge Test respectively. This Conclusion: study demonstrated that multidrug resistant strains of Acinetobacter are common in ICU of tertiary care hospitals. Unwarranted and unrestricted usage of antibiotics and production of MBL is associated with emergence of resistance in nosocomial pathogens. Regular monitoring and documentation of carbapenem resistant is crucial in developing strategies to control infection due to these bacteria.