Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay for the Detection of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Genes in Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolates in Tehran City, Iran

Extended‑spectrum β‑lactamase (ESBL) genes are responsible for creating Multidrug‑resistant and Extensive drug resistance (XDR) patterns in Acinetobacter baumanii isolates, so limit treatment options and increase mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to development of a multiplex PCR assay for the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes including bla CTX-M , bla SHV and bla TEM among clinical samples of Acinetobacter baumanii isolates in Tehran, Iran. In present study, 100 clinical Acinetobacter baumannii strains have been gathered from patients in Motahhari hospital in Tehran city, Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. To identify ESBL-producing strains, used combined disk test and Multiplex PCR method was used for Simultaneous diagnosis of bla CTX-M , bla SHV , and bla TEM genes. Out of 100 isolates, 93% were ESBL-positive according to the phenotypic test. Most of the isolates were XDR and the highest sensitivity was for colistin. The frequency of bla CTX-M , bla SHV and bla TEM genes was 95, 1, and 2% respectively. The high percentage of antibiotic resistance and high prevalence of the bla CTX-M gene in A. baumannii isolates is a serious threat to the effectiveness of available antibiotics. This study showed Multiplex PCR can be a reliable and sensitive technique for the fast detection of ESBL genes in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates.