Phenotypic characterization of biofilm and multidrug resistance among clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii ( A. baumannii ) is a gram-negative, opportunistic bacterium. And it is one of the primary cause of infections associated with healthcare, particularly in intensive care units. Its capacity to build biofilm and acquire multidrug resistance, which increases its virulence and persistence, is what gives it therapeutic significance. The present study was conducted to evaluate biofilm-producing CRAB in clinical samples. MaterialsandMethods: Thiswasa laboratory-basedprospectivestudyconductedinthemicrobiologylaboratoryofTertiarycareHospital. TheCRABisolates were obtained from various clinical samples subjected to AST as per standard protocol. The isolates were further tested for hemolytic activity, Proteolytic activity and biofilm production was tested by the crystal violet method. Results: Among the 120 CRAB isolates, most of them were found to be resistant to ß-lactam, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Hemolytic activity was obtained in 3 CRAB isolates, and no proteolytic activity was seen. Conclusion: The study underscores the high percentage of CRAB isolates producing biofilm. The isolate’s strong ability to form biofilm, coupled with carbapenem resistance, highlights a greater public health threat. The finding calls for the incorporation of proper infection control strategies to diminish the spread of CRAB strains.