Investigation of Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Acinetobacter spp. Isolated from ICU Samples in Mashhad, Iran (October 2018–May 2019)

Tahmineh Ghanei  Yazdi; Nazanin  Ataee; Parastoo  Tajzadeh; Masoud  Chaboksavar

doi:10.18502/jabs.v15i4.19734

Tahmineh Ghanei Yazdi Department of Biology, Kavian Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran
Nazanin Ataee Department of Biology, Kavian Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran
Parastoo Tajzadeh Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Kashmar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Mashhad, Iran
Masoud Chaboksavar Kavian Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jabs.v15i4.19734

Keywords: Acinetobacter spp, ICU, nosocomial infections, antibiotic-resistant pattern, Phoenix system

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Acinetobacter spp. are non-fermentative, Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogens characterized by high levels of antibiotic resistance and are frequently associated with nosocomial infections in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles of Acinetobacter spp. isolated from ICU patients using the BD Phoenix system, which determines antimicrobial susceptibility based on the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method.

Materials & Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to May 2019 involving 60 ICU patients at Mehr-e Hazrat Abbas Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Clinical specimens—including blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal secretions, wound swabs, biopsies, pleural fluid, and sternum swabs—were collected under sterile conditions. Acinetobacter species were identified through standard culture techniques and confirmed via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) targeting the blaOXA-51-like gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 21 antibiotics was performed using the BD Phoenix system in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS software employing chi-square tests (p < 0.05).

Results: All 60 isolates were confirmed as Acinetobacter spp. Colistin demonstrated the highest susceptibility rate (90%). The highest resistance rates were observed against aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and quinolones (each 55%), followed by cephalosporins, macrolides, and β-lactamase inhibitors (54%), sulfonamides (43%), and monobactams (40%).

Conclusion: The findings underscore the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance among Acinetobacter spp. and highlight the necessity of implementing targeted antibiotic stewardship programs and localized surveillance systems to optimize treatment outcomes and curb the spread of resistance