First report of OXA-72 producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Romania

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant opportunistic pathogen.
• Carbapenem resistance is a growing global health concern.
• The OXA-72 carbapenemase is a key mechanism of resistance.

Observation:

• An Acinetobacter baumannii strain producing OXA-72 was identified in Romania.
• The strain was isolated from chronic leg ulcer samples.
• Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for identification.

Findings:

• PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of the bla OXA-72 gene.
• This represents the first documented occurrence of OXA-72 in Romania.
• The study supports the dissemination of the bla OXA-72 gene in Eastern Europe.

Implications:

• This discovery underscores the need for enhanced surveillance of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
• It highlights the potential for further spread of OXA-72 in the region.
• Clinical management strategies may need to adapt to this emerging resistance pattern.