Molecular Genotyping of gyrA, blaOXA-51, and blaOXA-23 Genes in Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Childhood Asthma Patients in Iraq

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

1 Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, IRAQ

2 Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, IRAQ.

Abstract

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen implicated in hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunocompromised populations. Its association with respiratory complications in childhood asthma poses significant treatment challenges owing to resistance mechanisms mediated by genes such as gyrA (fluoroquinolone resistance), intrinsic blaOXA-51 (a species marker), and acquired blaOXA-23 (carbapenem resistance). Objective: The Aim of the present study to isolate A. baumannii from pediatric asthma patients and characterize the prevalence of gyrA, blaOXA-51, and blaOXA-23 resistance genes. Methodology: A total of 250 sputum samples were collected from asthmatic children at the Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital, Iraq (November 2024–April 2025). Isolates were identified using VITEK®2, CHROM agar, and biochemical tests. PCR amplification targeted gyrA, blaOXA-51, and blaOXA-23 genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed according to CLSI guidelines. Results: Thirty-six A. baumannii isolates were identified in this study. All the isolates (100%) harbored gyrA and blaOXA-51, whereas blaOXA-23 was detected in 22% of the isolates. High resistance rates (100%) were observed to cefotaxime, ertapenem, and colistin. Conclusion: The high prevalence of gyrA and carbapenems genes underscores the dominance of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in pediatric asthma patients. These findings highlight the urgent need for molecular diagnostics and antimicrobial stewardship to mitigate treatment failures and nosocomial transmission.

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