A cross sectional study to correlate biofilm formation along with bap gene and fluoroquinolone resistant gene in mdr acinetobacter baumannii in a tertiary care hospital

Aim:To investigate the correlation between biofilm formation and its potential association with genes involved in biofilm production and antibiotic resistance mechanisms in MDR A. baumanniiclinical isolates. Through phenotypic assays and molecular analysis, we characterized biofilm production and determined antibiotic susceptibility profiles. Methods: A total of 50 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii from endotracheal aspirates of the ICU patients’ samples received at the Department of Microbiology, BMCRI were collected and identified by VITEK 2 automated system as per laboratory protocol.Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing was performed as per CLSI 2023 guidelines using Kirby bauer disc diffusion & vitek2 system. The biofilm production capability of the isolates was evaluated by qualitative tube method and bap gene &gyr A gene were detected by PCR. Result: Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were predominantly found in Endotracheal aspirates. A total of (41/50)82.5% isolates were MDR organisms.(39/50)78%isolates formed biofilms. (24/39) isolates (61.5%) were strong biofilm former, (9) weakly adherent, (6) non-biofilm producers.36 isolates (72%) showed the presence of bap gene of which 5 isolates were negative for biofilm producers and 30 isolates (60%) showed presence of gyr A gene of which 3 isolates were negative for biofilm producers and all were multi drug resistant. Discussion and Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a positive correlation between biofilm formation and associated genes in A. baumannii, the frequency of bap gene and gyrA gene were 72 % and 60% respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between frequency of gyr A gene and biofilm formation (p=0.017) and significant correlation between bap gene and biofilm formation (p= <0.001). Biofilm production promotes increased colonization and persistence leading to higher rates of device related infections. Strict adherence to infection control practices, such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and patient isolation can help mitigate the spread of these resistant organisms.