Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Jordan

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant global cause of multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections.
• Limited data exists on the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of MDR-A. baumannii in Jordan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological and molecular features of MDR-A. baumannii in Jordan.
• To determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns and carbapenem resistance genes in A. baumannii isolates.

Main Methods:

• Collection of A. baumannii isolates from three tertiary hospitals in Jordan between 2010 and 2020.
• Analysis of demographic, clinical, and isolate data, including antibiotic susceptibility testing.
• Phenotypic and molecular characterization of carbapenem resistance genes (OXA-51, OXA-23, VIM, KPC, IMP).

Main Results:

• 622 A. baumannii isolates were analyzed; 76.8% were MDR and 99.2% were carbapenem-resistant.
• High resistance rates were observed for cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones.
• Colistin and tigecycline exhibited the lowest resistance rates. OXA-51 and OXA-23 genes were highly prevalent, while VIM, KPC, and IMP were less common.

Conclusions:

• This is the first extensive study on A. baumannii in Jordan, highlighting significant MDR and carbapenem resistance.
• Identifying high-risk patients is crucial for early detection and management of A. baumannii infections.
• Colistin and tigecycline are recommended as the most effective therapeutic options against MDR-A. baumannii in this region.