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Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
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Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS

Published on: July 11, 2016

Molecular and phenotypic features for identification of the opportunistic pathogens Ochrobactrum spp

Corinne Teyssier1, Hélène Marchandin1, Hélène Jean-Pierre1

  • 1Laboratoire de bactériologie, faculté de pharmacie, 15, avenue Charles Flahault, 34093 Montpellier Cedex 5, France 2Laboratoire de bactériologie, hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France 3Laboratoire de bactériologie, hôpital Carremeau, 30060 îmes, France.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|September 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Accurate identification of Ochrobactrum species, including opportunistic pathogens Ochrobactrum anthropi and Ochrobactrum intermedium, requires more than 16S rDNA analysis. This study proposes improved methods for clinical microbiology practices.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Bacterial Taxonomy
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • The genus Ochrobactrum includes species like Ochrobactrum anthropi and Ochrobactrum intermedium, recognized as opportunistic human pathogens.
  • Current species identification primarily relies on 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing, necessitating complementary methods for robust discrimination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify additional characteristics beyond 16S rDNA analysis for accurate Ochrobactrum species differentiation.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of commercial identification systems (API 20NE, VITEK 2) for Ochrobactrum identification.
  • To propose an improved protocol for routine medical microbiology identification of Ochrobactrum species.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 35 clinical isolates and type/reference strains of five Ochrobactrum species.
  • Utilized ribotyping, morphological and biochemical analyses, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
  • Assessed performance of API 20NE and VITEK 2 identification systems.

Main Results:

  • An initial identification protocol involves isolating non-fastidious, non-fermenting, oxidase-positive Gram-negative rods resistant to most beta-lactams (except imipenem) to indicate the Ochrobactrum genus.
  • API 20NE system demonstrated effectiveness in confirming genus identification for most strains.
  • Urease activity, colony mucoidy, growth at 45°C, and susceptibility to colistin, tobramycin, and netilmicin are key differential characteristics for O. anthropi and O. intermedium.
  • VITEK 2 system with ID-GNB cards showed limited power for Ochrobactrum identification.

Conclusions:

  • Routine medical microbiology can be enhanced for Ochrobactrum identification using a combination of phenotypic characteristics and commercial systems.
  • While phenotypic markers aid species-level differentiation, definitive identification of Ochrobactrum species ultimately relies on genotypic methods.
  • The proposed protocol offers a practical approach to improve the identification accuracy of Ochrobactrum species in clinical settings.

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