Development of multiplex PCR for rapid detection of metallo-β-lactamase genes in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii
Background and Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii has been known as a major pathogen causing nosocomial infec- tions. The aim of this study was to develop multiplex PCR for rapid and simultaneous detection of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) genes in clinical isolates of A. baumannii. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used three sets of primers to amplify the MBL genes including bla , bla and bla OXA-48 . The multiplex PCR assay was optimized for rapid and simultaneous detection of MBL genes in A. bau- OXA-23 NDM mannii strains recovered from clinical samples. Results: A. baumannii strains recovered from clinical samples were subjected to the study. The multiplex PCR produced 3 OXA-48 OXA-23 bands of 501 bp for bla , 744 bp for bla observed in multiplex PCR. OXA-48 and 623 bp for bla NDM genes. In addition to, no any cross-reactivity was Conclusion: Based on obtained data, the multiplex PCR had a good specificity without any cross reactivity and it appears that the multiplex PCR is reliable assay for simultaneous detection of MBL genes in A. baumannii strains.