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Emerging Challenges: High frequency of Antiseptic Resistance Encoding Genes and Reduced Biguanide Susceptibility in

H Ghasemzadeh-Moghaddam1,2, M Radmeher3, N Firouzeh1

  • 1Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.

Archives of Razi Institute
|September 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from ICU patients show high rates of antiseptic resistance genes. Elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for antiseptics like chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) are linked to these genes, posing infection control challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • The rise of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) A. baumannii strains presents a critical clinical challenge.
  • Antiseptic resistance in these pathogens can compromise infection control measures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of antiseptic resistance genes (qacE, qacEΔ1, blaOXA-23) in A. baumannii isolates from North Khorasan province.
  • To determine the level of resistance to quaternary ammonium and biguanide compounds, including chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG).
  • To assess the correlation between antiseptic resistance genes and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).

Main Methods:

  • Isolates were collected from patients in North Khorasan province.
  • Presence of specific antiseptic resistance genes (qacE, qacEΔ1, blaOXA-23) was screened.
  • Broth microdilution method was used to determine MICs against antiseptic compounds.

Main Results:

  • The majority of A. baumannii infections (84%) were in ICU patients.
  • MDR and XDR phenotypes were observed in 53.2% and 46.7% of isolates, respectively.
  • 64% of isolates carried at least one antiseptic resistance gene; qacE and qacEΔ1 were frequently detected.
  • A statistically significant difference in mean MIC for CHG was found between isolates with and without resistance genes (81.4 µg/ml vs. 27.9 µg/ml, P=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of A. baumannii isolates, especially in ICUs, harbor antiseptic resistance genes.
  • Elevated MICs against antiseptics, like CHG, are associated with the presence of these resistance genes.
  • These findings highlight the urgent need for continuous monitoring of A. baumannii isolates for antiseptic resistance to ensure effective infection control in healthcare settings.
Keywords:
Antiseptic ResistanceBiguanide CompoundMulti-Drug ResistantAcinetobacter baumanniiqacEqacEΔ1

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