The College of Science, Mustansiriyah University discussed a master’s thesis on the role of insertion sequences in carbapenem resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria isolated from hospitals in Baghdad by the postgraduate student, Ms. Fatima Khider Abbas.

The thesis determined the prevalence of insertion sequences (ISs) in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) isolates and to detect resistance genes specifically blaOXA, blaKPC, and blaNDM, additionally and the genetic association between insertion sequences and resistance genes within the isolates and evaluated how the location of these sequences enhances resistance and increases the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for the antibiotic meropenem.

The thesis involved collecting bacterial isolates from clinical samples obtained from various hospitals in Baghdad. These isolates were subsequently cultured and identified using microbiological and biochemical methods, while the VITEK 2 system was employed to confirm identification and determine antibiotic susceptibility.

The thesis also included molecular detection of the 16S rRNA and blaOXA-51 genes to confirm the identification of the isolates and characterize their molecular profiles regarding carbapenem resistance. 

The thesis demonstrated elevated Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for meropenem across all carbapenem-resistant isolates, correlation was observed between the positioning of insertion sequences upstream of blaOXA genes and increased meropenem MIC values, highlighting the molecular role of mobile genetic elements in driving antibiotic resistance particularly against carbapenems to contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying high resistance levels in clinical bacterial isolates.

Media and Government Communication Directorate 

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

September 23, 2026