Biofilm Formation and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producer among Acinetobacter Species Isolated in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter species are short, stout, gram-negative coccobacilli, generally considered to be a relatively low-grade pathogen. However, its resistance towards multiple classes of antibiotics through an array of resistance mechanisms including its ability to form biofilm has led to its emergence as an important pathogen in hospital settings. This study was done to determine the prevalence of biofilm former and Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase producer among Acinetobacter species. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the clinical microbiology laboratory, Kathmandu Medical College from January to June 2019. Convenient sampling method was used. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee, Ref no. 2812201805. Preliminary identification followed by characterization of Acinetobacter spp. was done. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the Kirby-Bauer method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase was detected by combined disc method and Biofilm detection was done using congo red agar method. Statistical Package for Social Sciences 16.0 version statistical software package was used for statistical analysis. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binarydata. RESULTS: Among 108 Acinetobacter species, 86 (79.7%) Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-A. baumannii (Acb) complex was seen. Seventy-eight (72%) of the isolates were multidrug-resistant, 34 (31%) of the isolates were Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase producer and only 10 (9.3%) of the isolates were biofilm producers. CONCLUSIONS: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. with the ability to produce Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase is prevalent in our hospital settings. Strict compliance with infection control practices is necessary to curb its spread.