Distribution of innate efflux-mediated aminoglycoside resistance among different Achromobacter species

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Clinical Research
• Genetics

Background:

• Achromobacter spp. are increasingly recognized as significant respiratory pathogens, particularly in individuals with cystic fibrosis.
• The innate antibiotic resistance profiles of the 15 recognized Achromobacter species remain largely uncharacterized.
• Previous research identified the AxyXY-OprZ efflux system as a mechanism for aminoglycoside (AG) resistance in Achromobacter xylosoxidans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between Achromobacter species and aminoglycoside (AG) resistance.
• To determine the presence of the axyXY-oprZ operon in relation to AG resistance across different Achromobacter species.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 49 Achromobacter isolates.
• Species identification of isolates.
• Detection of the axyXY-oprZ operon.
• Assessment of aminoglycoside (AG) susceptibility.

Main Results:

• Aminoglycoside (AG) resistance was found to be correlated with specific Achromobacter species.
• The axyXY-oprZ operon was exclusively detected in AG-resistant Achromobacter species.
• Resistant species identified include A. xylosoxidans, A. ruhlandii, A. dolens, and A. insuavis, which are common in cystic fibrosis patients.

Conclusions:

• The presence of the axyXY-oprZ operon is a key genetic marker for aminoglycoside (AG) resistance in certain Achromobacter species.
• Understanding species-specific resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment of Achromobacter infections in cystic fibrosis.
• This study provides insights into the genetic basis of AG resistance in emerging Achromobacter pathogens.