AUTHOR=Gashaw Mulatu , Gudina Esayas Kebede , Ali Solomon , Gabriele Liegl , Seeholzer Thomas , Alemu Bikila , Froeschl Guenter , Kroidl Arne , Wieser Andreas 

TITLE=Molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistance in Gram-negative isolates obtained from clinical samples at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1336387

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2024.1336387

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=In resource-constrained settings, limited antibiotic options make treating carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections difficult for healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess carbapenemase expression in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from clinical samples in Jimma, Ethiopia.A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess carbapenemase expression in Gramnegative bacteria isolated from patients attending Jimma Medical Center. Totally, 846 Gramnegative bacteria were isolated and identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionizationtime of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Phenotypic antibiotic resistance patterns were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and Etest strips. Extendedspectrum β-lactamase phenotype was determined using MAST discs, and carbapenemases were characterized using multiplex polymerase chain reactions (PCR).Results: Among the isolates, 19% (157/846) showed phenotypic resistance to carbapenem antibiotics. PCR analysis revealed that at least one carbapenemase gene was detected in 69% (107/155) of these strains. The most frequently detected acquired genes were blaNDM in 35% (37/107), blaVIM in 24% (26/107), and blaKPC42 in 13% (14/107) of the isolates. Coexistence of two or more acquired genes was observed in 31% (33/107) of the isolates. The most common coexisting acquired genes were blaNDM + blaOXA-23, detected in 24% (8/33) of these isolates. No carbapenemase-encoding genes could be detected in 31% (48/155) of carbapenemresistant isolates, with P. aeruginosa accounting for 85% (41/48) thereof.This study revealed high and incremental rates of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in clinical samples with various carbapenemase-encoding genes. This imposes a severe challenge to effective patient care in the context of already limited treatment options against Gram-negative bacterial infections in resource-constrained settings.