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Multiplex PCR for genes encoding prevalent OXA carbapenemases in Acinetobacter spp
Neil Woodford1, Matthew J Ellington, Juliana M Coelho
1Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring and Reference Laboratory, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Ave., London NW9 5HT, UK. neil.woodford@hpa.org.uk
International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|March 28, 2006
Summary
A new multiplex PCR assay detects carbapenem resistance genes in Acinetobacter baumannii. This tool aids in monitoring OXA carbapenemase subgroups, crucial for public health surveillance of antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant public health threat, primarily driven by OXA carbapenemases.
- Existing methods for detecting these resistance mechanisms can be time-consuming and may not differentiate between acquired and intrinsic resistance genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
- To accurately detect and differentiate key subgroups of OXA carbapenemases (OXA-23-like, OXA-24-like, OXA-58-like, and intrinsic OXA-51-like) in Acinetobacter species.
Main Methods:
- Design and implementation of a multiplex PCR assay.
- Application of the assay to characterize carbapenemase genes in Acinetobacter isolates, including prevalent UK clones and hospital-associated clusters.
Main Results:
- The assay successfully detected and distinguished between acquired OXA-23-like, OXA-24-like, OXA-58-like, and intrinsic OXA-51-like alleles.
- Analysis revealed distinct genotypic profiles in different Acinetobacter baumannii clones, differentiating between those with acquired OXA-23 and only intrinsic OXA-51-like genes.
- OXA-58 genes were identified alongside OXA-51-like genes in isolates from a specific hospital outbreak.
Conclusions:
- The developed multiplex PCR assay is a simple and effective tool for rapid surveillance of carbapenem resistance mechanisms in Acinetobacter.
- This assay can aid in understanding the epidemiology and spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
- Monitoring these resistance genes is vital for implementing appropriate infection control strategies and combating antimicrobial resistance.