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JMM Profile: Achromobacter xylosoxidans: the cloak-and-dagger opportunist
Benjamin M Bonis1, Ryan C Hunter1
1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 689 23rd Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Abstract:
Achromobacter xylosoxidans is associated with resilient nosocomial infections, with bacteraemia, pneumonia and chronic cystic fibrosis lung infection being the most common clinical presentations. Innate multi-drug resistance and a suite of virulence factors select for A. xylosoxidans infection during long-term antibiotic therapy, contributing to its persistence, treatment recalcitrance, association with poor clinical outcomes and emergence as a problematic pathogen. Horizontal gene transfer and maintenance of large genomes underpin the resilience and cosmopolitan lifestyle of A. xylosoxidans, and complicate its phylogenetic characterization.
Insights
Achromobacter xylosoxidans causes difficult-to-treat hospital infections due to its drug resistance and virulence. Its genetic adaptability contributes to its persistence and challenges in understanding its evolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Achromobacter xylosoxidans is a resilient opportunistic pathogen frequently implicated in nosocomial infections.
- Common clinical presentations include bacteraemia, pneumonia, and chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
- The bacterium exhibits innate multi-drug resistance and possesses virulence factors that promote persistence during antibiotic therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors contributing to the resilience and problematic nature of Achromobacter xylosoxidans infections.
- To understand the role of genetic mechanisms, such as horizontal gene transfer and large genome size, in the bacterium's adaptability.
- To explore the challenges in phylogenetic characterization due to its genetic plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and microbiological studies on Achromobacter xylosoxidans.
- Analysis of genomic data to understand gene content and evolutionary dynamics.
- Examination of virulence factors and resistance mechanisms associated with the pathogen.
Main Results:
- Achromobacter xylosoxidans demonstrates inherent multi-drug resistance and a range of virulence factors.
- These traits facilitate its survival and persistence in healthcare settings, especially during prolonged antibiotic treatments.
- Horizontal gene transfer and large genome size contribute to its adaptability and cosmopolitan distribution.
- Phylogenetic analysis is complicated by the bacterium's genetic variability.
Conclusions:
- Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an emerging problematic pathogen due to its resilience, resistance, and virulence.
- Its genetic characteristics enable persistence, treatment recalcitrance, and poor clinical outcomes.
- Further research into its genomics and evolution is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
