Detection of VIM- and IMP-type Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Patients in Two Hospitals in Tehran.

BACKGROUND Acinetobacter baumannii, is an opportunistic pathogen and is responsible for numerous nosocomial infections. In recent years, this microorganism has been resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. One of the most important mechanisms of resistance in this microorganism is production of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to detect VIM- and IMP-type metallo-beta-lactamase genes in Acinetobacter baumanniiisolates from patients in two Hospitals in Tehran. MATERIALS AND METHODS 104 isolates were tested using the PCR method for the identification of VIM- and IMP-type genes. RESULTS vim1, vim2, imp1 and imp2 genes were detected in 6.7%, 41.7%, 50% and 1.7% of the isolates from Tehran Heart Center, and in 29.5%, 38.6%, 4.5% and 4.5% of the isolates from Shahid Mutahhari Hospital respectively. DISCUSSIONS Our analysis revealed that the majority of the isolates had at least one of these genes, indicating that MBLs production is an important resistance mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii.