frequency of imp-1 and vim genes among metallo-beta-lactamase producing acinetobacter spp. isolated from health care associated infections innortheast of iran

b ackground : the emergence and rapid spread of metallo-beta-lactamase (mbl) producing acinetobacter spp. are of great concern worldwide due to limited treatment options. epidemiologic studies of the causing genes are important for prevention. methods :   in  this  study,  70  imipenem-resistant  acinetobacter  strains  were isolated from health care associated infections. these isolates were screened for detection of metallo-beta-lactamase (mbl) using inhibitor potentiated disk diffusion tests with thylenediaminetetraacetic acid (edta). pcr was designed for detection of bla vim and bla imp-1 using specific primers. r esults : among these 70 strains, 50 strains appeared to produce metallo-beta-lactamase. three isolates were detected by pcr to carry metallo-beta-lactamase gene bla vim, but bla imp-1 gene was not detected. c onclusion : these findings suggest that in our area other genetic elements are responsible for resistance against metallo-beta-lactams.