Frequency of IMP-1 and VIM Genes among Metallo-beta-Lactamase Producing Acinetobacter spp. Isolated from Health Care Associated Infections in Northeast of Iran

Background: 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 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (edta). pcr was designed for detection of bla vim and bla imp-1 using specific primers. results: among these 70 strains, 50 strains appeared to produce metallo-betalactamase. three isolates were detected by pcr to carry metallo-beta-lactamase gene bla vim, but bla imp-1 gene was not detected. conclusion: these findings suggest that in our area other genetic elements are responsible for resistance against metallo-beta-lactams.