Detection of OXA-Carbapenemase in various species of Acinetobacter in adult ICU patients at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Acinetobacter has emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen due to the increased spectrum of diseases caused by this organism as well as because of global spread of strains with multi-drug resistance. Materials & methods: A prospective observational study was done (January2023-December 2023) in the Department of Microbiology at GMC, Kota.100 samples were received from adult patients admitted in various ICUs. Isolation & speciation of Acinetobacter was done with the help of conventional biochemical tests. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was done by Kirby-Bauer Disc diffusion method as per CLSI(M100ED32) guidelines. Modified Hodge test(MHT) was done to detect OXA-Carbapenemase production. Results: Out of 100 samples received from adult ICUs, 31 isolates of Acinetobacter were identified. Among these 31 isolates , 14 (45%) were found to be Carbapenem resistant which were further confirmed for class D OXA carbapenemase production by Modified Hodge test. Overall, 13 (42%) were positive for MHT , among which 11 were A.baumannii and 2 were A.lwoffii. A.haemolyticus did not show Carbapenem resistance. Conclusion: Detection of OXA-Carbapenemase producing isolates pointed towards highly drug-resistant strains and their timely detection would be very helpful in early and appropriate treatment of patients as well in forming antibiogram for the hospital.