Comparison of clinical and sewage isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii from two long-term care facilities in Zagreb; mechanisms and routes of spread.

In the previous studies OXA-23-like and OXA-24-like β-lactamase were reported among Acinetobacter baumannii in both hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCF) in Croatia. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and sewage A. baumannii isolates from two nursing homes in Zagreb, with regard to antibiotic susceptibility and resistance mechanisms, to determine the route of spread of carbapenem-resistant isolates.

Epidemic spread of OXA-48 beta-lactamase in Croatia.

Purpose: A dramatic increase in OXA-48 β-lactamase was observed recently not only in large hospital centres, but also in smaller suburban hospital centres in geographic areas bordering Croatia. The aim of the study was to analyse the epidemiology, the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the routes of spread of OXA-48 carbapenemase in Croatia.

Methods: Carbapenemase and other β-lactamase and fluoroquinolone resistance genes were detected by PCR and sequencing.