Genetic diversity and molecular analysis of metallo beta lactamases among imipenem resistant clinical isolates of from Peshawar, Pakistan.

Objectives: is an opportunistic pathogen with remarkable adaptation ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions. This study aimed at phenotypic and molecular analysis of metallo beta lactamases () and genetic diversity analysis among imipenem resistant clinical isolates of .

Methods: This study was conducted from May 2017 to June 2018. The study included 187 isolates collected from different clinical specimens from Peshawar, Pakistan. The isolates were analyzed for resistance to imipenem. Combined disc test (CDT) was then performed for phenotypic detection of metallo beta lactamases among imipenem resistant isolates of . Molecular detection of metallo beta lactamases genes i.e. was analyzed through polymerase chain reaction. Genetic diversity was determined through RAPD-PCR.

Results: MBL production was observed in 76% (n=19) isolates. The occurrence of MBL genes was 68% (n=17), 48% (n=12), and 4% (n=1) respectively. The gene was not detected. High genetic diversity was observed in current study. Out of 182 isolates 171 isolates showed different RAPD profiles (93.95% polymorphism); 160 were unique RAPD strains and based on similarity coefficient ≥ 80%, 22 isolates were clustered into 11 distinct clones.

Conclusion: A high prevalence of and among imipenem resistant isolates of is alarming that calls for proper control and prevention strategies. RAPD technique was found to be a good genotyping technique when limited resources are available.