Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and It’s Molecular Characterization in Hospitalized Patients in a Governmental Hospital in Irbid, Jordan

Background: This study focuses on the prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) among the hospitalized patients in various hospital departments including ICU, Emergency, Kidney Dialysis units and other departments and its molecular characterization. Objectives: The study aims to isolate and identify A. baumannii strains, investigate their resistance to various antibiotics, and analyze the genes responsible for this resistance using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methodology: A total of 100 samples were collected from different hospital departments, including the ICU, emergency room, and kidney dialysis units. The study found a high prevalence of MDR A. baumannii isolates, especially in ICU patients. Results: The males were the predominant group, accounting for 60 (60%), while females were 40(40%). The most frequent samples are from urine (43%) and skin (24%). Smaller percentages of samples are pus (12%) and ulcers (5%). Most of the collected samples are from the ICU (42%) and emergency departments (20%). A notable number is also from kidney dialysis units (15%) and environmental sources (13%). Molecular analysis revealed the presence of several resistance genes, including blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-51, and blaOXA-58, which contribute to carbapenem resistance. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the urgent need for improved infection control measures, antibiotic stewardship, and the development of targeted treatment protocols to mitigate the spread of MDR infections in healthcare settings.