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Author Spotlight: Advancing Antibiotic Resistance Research Using an Efflux-Deficient Bacterial Strain and a Single-Copy Gene Expression System
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Extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: role of conjugative plasmids in transferring resistance

Qutaiba Ababneh1, Sara Al Sbei1, Ziad Jaradat1

  • 1Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.

Peerj
|January 31, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains are a global threat. This study found common strains and plasmid-borne resistance genes spreading in Jordanian hospitals, highlighting the role of conjugative plasmids.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant cause of difficult-to-treat nosocomial infections globally.
  • Multi-drug resistance in A. baumannii necessitates understanding resistance mechanisms and transmission.
  • Plasmids are key mobile genetic elements facilitating the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genomic features, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence of extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii clinical isolates from Jordan.
  • To characterize the plasmids involved in resistance gene acquisition and transfer.
  • To determine the phylogenetic relationships and prevalence of common strains in Jordanian hospitals.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) of five extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii clinical isolates.
  • In-silico plasmid characterization, followed by experimental conjugation and plasmid curing.
  • Analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, sequence types, and phylogenetic relationships.

Main Results:

  • Eight plasmids were identified, with some carrying aminoglycoside or sulfonamide resistance genes.
  • Chromosomal resistance genes, including bla, and virulence factors associated with biofilm formation and adhesion were detected.
  • Conjugation and plasmid curing experiments confirmed the transferability of resistance phenotypes.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity between isolates from different ICUs, suggesting a prevalent common strain.

Conclusions:

  • Conjugative plasmids play a crucial role in the dissemination of resistance among A. baumannii clinical strains.
  • A common A. baumannii strain appears to be circulating in different intensive care units in Jordanian hospitals.
  • Understanding plasmid-mediated resistance is vital for combating A. baumannii infections.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter baumanniiConjugative plasmidsExtensively drug resistanceWhole genome analysis

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