J. Silva et al., Antimicrobial resistance of different Acinetobacter baumannii biotypes isolated in the northern region of Chile, REV MED CHI, 127(8), 1999, pp. 926-934
Background: Acinetobacter baumannii nonomial outbreaks are common and the m
icroorganism is frequently resistant to multiple antimicrobials. There is l
ittle information about Acinetobacter baumannii antimicrobial susceptibilit
y in the northern region of Chile. Aim: To identify different Acinetobacter
baumannii biotypes isolated from clinical samples and to determine their a
ntimicrobial susceptibility. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty thre
e Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were studied. The identification and typ
ing of Acinetobacter baumannii was based on phenotypic characteristics. Ant
imicrobial susceptibility was investigated using agar dilution techniques.
Results: Most Acinetobacter baumannii strains were isolated from wounds, ur
inary and respiratory infections. Seven biotypes were isolates, being bioty
pe 9 the most frequent. Imipenem was the antimicrobial with the higher acti
vity against the microorganism. Amikacin, cefoperazonesulbactam, ampicillin
sulbactam and ceftazidime had a moderate activity. There were high resistan
ce levels to ampicillin and older cephalosporins. Conclusions: Acinetobacte
r baumannii is emerging as a significant nosocomial pathogen in Chile and s
hows high resistance rates to multiple antibiotics.