Molecular characterization and drug susceptibility of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in children from a third-level hospital in Mexico

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Acinetobacter spp. has become a threat public health threat due to the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. There is limited information on the clinical and molecular features of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) infections in children. Our study aimed to describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of CRAB infections among pediatric patients at a tertiary center in Mexico. Methods Consecutive cases of CRAB infections were recorded between 2017–2022. Clinical and demographic data were collected from clinical records. Identification of the strains was carried out through mass spectrometry. Confirmation of A. baumannii strains was done using a PCR method based on gyrB sequence. Additionally, PCR was used to detect the presence of carbapenemase-encoding resistance genes. Results 49 CRAB infections were reported, 69.3% (n = 34) female. 44.8% (n = 22) were neonates. The median hospital length of stay was 32 days (interquartile range [IQR], 19–60). 48.9% of the isolates were recovered from bronchial secretions. Most of the antibiotic groups exhibited a co-resistance rate exceeding 40%. All carbapenem-resistant strains carried blaOXA−51, and blaOXA−24 genes. BlaIMP genes were detected in half of the cases, with all strains co-harboring blaOXA−24 genes. Conclusion The study showed a high prevalence of CRAB infections in neonates, along with a high prevalence of co-resistance to antibiotics, and a high rate of isolates carrying blaOXA-24, and blaIMP genes. CRAB poses a major threat due to the mortality rate and limited therapeutic options, it is imperative to urgently halt the propagation of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.