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Genetic Resistance Determinants in Clinical Acinetobacter pittii Genomes
Itziar Chapartegui-González1, María Lázaro-Díez2, José Ramos-Vivas3,4,5
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77550, USA.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic bacteria are an increasing problem in public health, especially in the healthcare environment, where nosocomial infection microorganisms find their niche. Among these bacteria, the genus Acinetobacter which belongs to the ESKAPE pathogenic group harbors different multi-drug resistant (MDR) species that cause human nosocomial infections. Although A. baumannii has always attracted more interest, the close-related species A. pittii is the object of more study due to the increase in its isolation and MDR strains. In this work, we present the genomic analysis of five clinically isolated A. pittii strains from a Spanish hospital, with special attention to their genetic resistance determinants and plasmid structures. All the strains harbored different genes related to β-lactam resistance, as well as different MDR efflux pumps. We also found and described, for the first time in this species, point mutations that seem linked with colistin resistance, which highlights the relevance of this comparative analysis among the pathogenic species isolates.
Insights
Genomic analysis of Acineticobacter pittii reveals novel colistin resistance mutations. This study highlights key genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance in hospital-acquired infections, crucial for public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health threat, particularly in healthcare settings where nosocomial infections are prevalent.
- The ESKAPE group of pathogens, including Acinetobacter species, are major contributors to multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.
- Acinetobacter pittii is increasingly isolated, with a rise in MDR strains, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a genomic analysis of clinically isolated Acinetobacter pittii strains.
- To identify genetic resistance determinants and plasmid structures in these strains.
- To investigate potential links between genetic mutations and colistin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of five clinical Acinetobacter pittii isolates.
- Analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes, including those for beta-lactam resistance and MDR efflux pumps.
- Identification and characterization of point mutations associated with colistin resistance.
Main Results:
- All five Acinetobacter pittii strains carried genes conferring beta-lactam resistance and MDR efflux pumps.
- Novel point mutations potentially linked to colistin resistance were identified for the first time in this species.
- Comparative genomic analysis revealed specific resistance mechanisms within the isolates.
Conclusions:
- Genomic analysis provides critical insights into the resistance mechanisms of Acinetobacter pittii.
- The discovery of potential colistin resistance mutations underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and comparative studies.
- Understanding these genetic determinants is vital for developing effective strategies against MDR hospital-acquired infections.
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