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Updated: May 13, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Emerging threat of multidrug resistant bugs--Acinetobacter calcoaceticus baumannii complex and methicillin resistant
Shyam Kumar Mishra1, Basista Prasad Rijal, Bharat Mani Pokhrel
1Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. smishra7@hotmail.com
Background:
Infections caused by bacteria such as multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter spp. and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) constitute a worldwide pandemic. Without gathering information about these strains, we cannot reduce the morbidity and mortality due to infections caused by these notorious bugs.
Methods:
This study was conducted to identify the status of MDR Acinetobacter spp. and MRSA in a tertiary care centre of Nepal. Sputum, endotracheal aspirate and bronchial washing specimens were collected and processed from patients suspected of lower respiratory tract infection following standard microbiological methods recommended by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Double disk synergy test method was employed for the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in Acinetobacter isolates. Methicillin resistance in S. aureus was confirmed by using cefoxitin and oxacillin disks.
Results:
Different genomespecies of Acinetobacter were isolated; these consisted of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus baumannii complex and A. lwoffii. Around 95% of Acinetobacter isolates were MDR, while 12.9% were ESBL-producer. Of the total 33 isolates of S. aureus, 26 (78.8%) were MDR and 14 (42.4%) were methicillin resistant.
Conclusions:
A large number of MDR Acinetobacter spp. and MRSA has been noted in this study. The condition is worsened by the emergence of ESBL producing Acinetobacter spp. Hence, judicious use of antimicrobials is mandatory in clinical settings. Moreover, there should be vigilant surveillance of resistant clones in laboratories.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are prevalent in Nepal. High rates of MDR and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Acinetobacter, alongside significant MRSA, highlight the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter spp. and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections pose a global health threat.
- Understanding the prevalence of these resistant strains is critical for reducing associated morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of MDR Acinetobacter spp. and MRSA in a tertiary care setting in Nepal.
- To identify extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production in Acinetobacter isolates.
Main Methods:
- Specimens (sputum, endotracheal aspirate, bronchial washing) were collected from patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections.
- Standard microbiological methods were used for bacterial isolation and identification.
- Double disk synergy test for ESBL detection in Acinetobacter and cefoxitin/oxacillin disk diffusion for MRSA confirmation in S. aureus.
Main Results:
- Acinetobacter isolates included Acinetobacter calcoaceticus baumannii complex and A. lwoffii. Approximately 95% of Acinetobacter isolates were MDR, with 12.9% being ESBL producers.
- Out of 33 S. aureus isolates, 78.8% were MDR, and 42.4% were confirmed as MRSA.
Conclusions:
- The study identified a high burden of MDR Acinetobacter spp. and MRSA in the studied tertiary care center.
- The emergence of ESBL-producing Acinetobacter exacerbates the resistance challenge.
- Judicious antimicrobial use and vigilant laboratory surveillance of resistant strains are imperative.
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