Phenotypic detection of metallo-ß-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from hospitalized patients in São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Acquired metallo-ß-lactamases (MßL) are emerging determinants of resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The objectives of this study were to phenotypically detect MßL in imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii, to investigate the association between MßL-positive strains and hospitals, and to compare the resistance profiles of MßL-producing and non-MßL-producing strains. METHODS: The approximation disk and combined disk assay methods were used in this study. RESULTS: A total of 18 (38.3%) P. aeruginosa isolates and 1 (5.6%) A. baumannii isolate tested positive for the presence of MßL. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the need for strict surveillance and for the adoption of preventive measures to reduce the spread of infection and potential outbreaks of disease caused by MßL-producing microorganisms.