Molecular Detection of Acientobacter Baumannii Isolated From Nosocomial Infections in Baghdad Hospitals

Abstract

 The present study is an attempt for detection of A. baumannii by conventional and PCR methods using species-specific primers for these A. baumannii. A total of 87 samples were collected from hospitals in Baghdad (Al-Rasafa and Al-Karkh Hospitals) during the period from 2019 to 2020.The samples included: 40 specimens, from wounds, respiratory infections (sputum), burns, CSF and 47 samples from the hospital environment (swabs), while samples collected from intensive care unit including patient beds, surgical instruments and appliances, emergency lobby and baby incubators. A. baumannii isolate identification depending on the morphologic characteristics on the culture media including, blood agar, MacConkey  agar, as well as the biochemical tests including the manual biochemical tests that include catalase, oxidase and tests, and the automated biochemical tests such as API 20E,VITEK 2 system. The genomic DNA of A. baumannii isolates were extracted using wizard genomic DNA purification kit, the extracted genomic DNA was analyzed using 1% agarose gel electrophoresis, and then the concentration and purity of the extracted genomic DNA were determined using Nanodrop spectrophotometer device.To detect the A. baumannii isolates by molecular methods, the extracted genomic DNA of these isolates was submitted for amplification to detect the blaOXA-51 gene by the PCR method using species-specific primers for A. baumannii, out of 47 samples (35 ) showed positive results for A. baumannii by observing the PCR product of blaOXA-51 gene with ~353bp, in the agarose gel electrophoresis.