Detection of VIM- and IMP-type Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Patients in Two Hospitals in Tehran

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii, is an opportunistic pathogen and is responsible for numerous nosocomial infections. In recent years, this microorganism has been resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. One of the most important mechanisms of resistance in this microorganism is production of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs). Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect VIM- and IMP-type metallo-beta-lactamase genes in Acinetobacter baumanniiisolates from patients in two Hospitals in Tehran. Materials and Methods: 104 isolates were tested using the PCR method for the identification of VIM- and IMP-type genes. Results: vim1, vim2, imp1and imp2 genes were detected in 6.7%, 41.7%, 50% and 1.7% of the isolates from Tehran Heart Center, and in 29.5%, 38.6%, 4.5% and 4.5% of the isolates from Shahid Mutahhari Hospital respectively. Discussion: Our analysis revealed that the majority of the isolates had at least one of these genes, indicating that MBLs production is an important resistance mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii.