Application of Multiplex PCR for the Identification of Oxacillinase Genes and Determination of Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Environmental Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii in ICU

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of nosocomial infections. A prominent feature of these bacteria is resistance to carbapenems. This study aimed to identify OXA genes encoding oxacillinase in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 25 environmental A. baumannii isolates collected from ICU over 8 months. Definitive identification of isolates was performed by biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of 16s rRNA gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on Müller-Hinton agar medium by disk diffusion and E-test. Antibiogram and multiplex PCR data of beta-lactamase genes were collected and analyzed at a significance level of P