MLST analysis of multiple antimicrobial resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Tsutomu Yasuhara1, Satoshi Kugawa, Yuko Tateishi
1Department of Pathology, Division of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo 142 8666.
Summary
Multi-locus sequencing typing identified the global epidemic clone, Clonal Complex 92 Acinetobacter baumannii, in Japanese hospitals. This carbapenem-resistant strain highlights the need for ongoing molecular surveillance of Acinetobacter baumannii.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant nosocomial pathogen.
- Carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii poses a global health threat.
Observation:
- Multi-locus sequencing typing (MLST) was performed on 15 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Showa University Hospital (Nov 2010-Mar 2011).
- Three isolates were identified as Sequence Types (STs) 76, 92, and 146, all belonging to Clonal Complex (CC) 92.
- The remaining 12 strains were not classifiable by MLST.
Findings:
- ST76, ST92, and ST146 strains exhibited resistance to various antibiotics, including carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones.
- Notably, carbapenem-resistant isolates lacked common carbapenemase genes (IMP, VIM2, OXA23).
- CC92 strains demonstrated significant drug resistance, while other strains were susceptible.
Implications:
- The findings suggest the spread of drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, specifically CC92, in Japan.
- Molecular epidemiology is crucial for monitoring and controlling the dissemination of resistant strains.
- The absence of specific resistance genes warrants further investigation into resistance mechanisms.
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