Spread of VIM-2 metallo-beta-lactamase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates from Ia şi, Romania Răspândirea metalo-beta-lactamazei VIM-2 printre izolate clinice de Pseudomonas aeruginosa şi Acinetobacter baumannii din Ia şi, Romania

Our study investigated the type of acquired metallo - β-lactamases (MBLs) produced by carbapenem-resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii from five hospitals in Iasi, Romania and the genetic relatedness of the strains ca rrying MBL genes. Of 106 carbapenem-resistant strai ns, 50 were positive for MBL production after screening wi th Etest MBL. PCR analysis showed that 46 isolates (44 P. aeruginosa and 2 A. baumannii) carried a bla VIM gene. By DNA sequencing we identified two class 1 integrons carrying the bla VIM gene in the P. aeruginosa: IntI1-aacA7-bla VIM-2 -qacE ∆1 in 43 strains, and IntI1-aacA7∆bla VIM -∆cmlA1-qacE ∆1 in one strain. In A. baumannii isolates the bla VIM-2 gene was not associated with a class 1 integron. Random amplified polymorphic DNA typing of VIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa strains revealed the presence of a major RAPD type in all five hospitals . Early detection and surveillance of such strains must be accompanied by rigorous infection control measures in order to limit the spread of MBLs in our clinical settings.