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Molecular characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from Iraqi hospital environment
I M S Al-Kadmy1, A N M Ali1, I M A Salman1
1Branch of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Abstract:
Healthcare-associated items are a common source of acquired infections, and hospital-acquired infections cause significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Acinetobacter baumannii is the most prevalent infection-causing organism in the hospital environment. Hospital articles and objects are the main sources of infection with the ability to transmit some of the pathogenic microorganisms such as A. baumannii, which is considered a serious problem in therapeutic treatments. In the current study, we isolated A. baumannii from hospital sources and evaluated its antibiotic resistance, virulence factors and resistance gene determinants. The isolates were identified phenotypically as well as genotypically using PCR. In addition, their capability for biofilm formation and ten other virulence factors were measured. Of 112 samples, 21 showed growth of the target organism. Apart from A. baumannii, isolates of Candida albicans, Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were also grown. Antibiotic susceptibility test results considered all the A. baumannii to be multidrug-resistant isolates with the highest resistance being 100% to gentamycin, ciprofloxacin; the most effective antibiotics with 100% susceptibility was colistin and tigecycline. All A. baumannii isolates had MIC for ceftriaxone >32 mg/L. All A. baumannii isolates from the hospital environment showed multidrug resistance and had many virulence factors. They have long-term resistance to dry conditions and cause a serious public health issue.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains were isolated from hospital items. These resistant bacteria possess significant virulence factors, posing a serious public health threat and complicating treatments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major global health concern, leading to significant mortality and morbidity.
- Hospital environments harbor pathogens, with Acinetobacter baumannii being a prevalent cause of HAIs.
- Contaminated hospital items serve as reservoirs for transmitting pathogenic microorganisms like A. baumannii.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate Acinetobacter baumannii from hospital sources.
- To evaluate the antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, and resistance genes of A. baumannii isolates.
- To assess the public health implications of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic and genotypic identification of A. baumannii using PCR.
- Assessment of antibiotic susceptibility patterns.
- Evaluation of biofilm formation and ten other virulence factors.
Main Results:
- Acinetobacter baumannii was isolated from 21 out of 112 samples.
- All A. baumannii isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR).
- Highest resistance observed against gentamycin and ciprofloxacin (100%); 100% susceptibility to colistin and tigecycline.
- All isolates showed elevated Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for ceftriaxone (>32 mg/L).
- Isolates demonstrated various virulence factors and resistance to dry conditions.
Conclusions:
- Hospital environments are significant sources of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
- These MDR A. baumannii strains possess multiple virulence factors, increasing their pathogenic potential.
- The prevalence of MDR A. baumannii in hospitals represents a serious public health issue requiring effective control strategies.
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