Aim: To control the spread of Acinetobacter baumannii in hospitals, it is necessary to identify the reservoir of organisms and the way they are transmitted. This study analyzed samples by BOX-PCR and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR techniques. Methods: Isolated strains were identified using the Microgen kit and blaOXA-51 gene. The genetic diversity of strains that were sensitive or resistant to colistin was evaluated by BOX-PCR and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR methods. Results: A total of 13% of the isolates were resistant to colistin, whereas 87% of the strains were sensitive to this medication. A. baumannii strains that were resistant or sensitive to colistin were divided into five groups using the BOX-PCR method and six groups using the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR method. Conclusion: Rapid identification and the use of appropriate tools to control colistin-resistant clones are essential to prevent the further spread of A. baumannii.
Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii; BOX-PCR; ERIC-PCR; colistin; genetic diversity.