Phenotypic detection of metallo-β-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from hospitalized patients in São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2013 Jul-Aug;46(4):506-9. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-1451-2013.

Abstract

Introduction: Acquired metallo-β-lactamases (MβL) are emerging determinants of resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The objectives of this study were to phenotypically detect MβL in imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii, to investigate the association between MβL-positive strains and hospitals, and to compare the resistance profiles of MβL-producing and non-MβL-producing strains.

Methods: The approximation disk and combined disk assay methods were used in this study.

Results: A total of 18 (38.3%) P. aeruginosa isolates and 1 (5.6%) A. baumannii isolate tested positive for the presence of MβL.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate the need for strict surveillance and for the adoption of preventive measures to reduce the spread of infection and potential outbreaks of disease caused by MβL-producing microorganisms.

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter baumannii / drug effects
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / enzymology*
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / isolation & purification
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Disk Diffusion Antimicrobial Tests
  • Humans
  • Phenotype
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / enzymology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
  • beta-Lactam Resistance / genetics*
  • beta-Lactamases / biosynthesis
  • beta-Lactamases / genetics
  • beta-Lactamases / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactamases