ABSTRACT:
Background: Acinetobacter species are ubiquitous in the environment, and have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens. They are resistant to many antibiotic groups, especially beta lactams which is the most clinically-important group. However, There is a poor knowledge about Acinetobacter susceptibility profile in Syria. Aim of the study: To detect distribution of Acinetobacter in different sections of involved hospital and its susceptibility profile to beta-lactams. Material and methods: 88 Acinetobacter samples obtained through 24 months from different departments of Al-Assad University Hospital, Latakia- Syria. Species was identified using api 20E and api 20NE (bioMérieux-France) and susceptibility profile for beta-lactams was detected using E-Test (bioMérieux-France) Results: The prevalence of Acinetobacter has reduced from 3.74% in the first year (2015) to 3.06% in the second year (2016), but the resistance to antibiotics used in the study has increased( except Azetreonam). The resistance rates were 11.4% for Ampicillin-Sulbactam, 78.4% for Ticarcillin-Clavulanic acid, 90.9% for Cefotaxime, 43.2% for Cefepime, 48.9% for Imipenem, 40.9% for Meropenem, and 44.3% for Azetreonam. Conclusion: Acinetobacter develops resistance for beta-lactams rapidly. Ampicillin-Sulbactam is the drug of choice for Acinetobacter infections in Syria.