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β-Lactamase diversity in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Andrew R Mack1,2, Andrea M Hujer2,3, Maria F Mojica1,2,4
1Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|February 10, 2025
Summary
Acinetobacter baumannii harbors diverse beta-lactamase genes, with common intrinsic and acquired alleles identified. Analysis of whole genome sequences reveals significant allele diversity, aiding drug development and treatment selection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a critical Gram-negative pathogen causing nosocomial and community infections.
- Antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii is a major concern due to intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms, including various beta-lactamases.
- Traditional surveillance for beta-lactamase allele diversity is challenging and costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diversity and distribution of beta-lactamase alleles in Acinetobacter baumannii using publicly available whole genome sequencing data.
- To identify common intrinsic and acquired beta-lactamase alleles and assess their prevalence.
- To understand temporal and geographical variations in beta-lactamase allele distribution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of whole genome sequences from 28,330 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates.
- Identification and classification of intrinsic (blaADC, blaOXA-51 family) and acquired beta-lactamase alleles.
- Statistical analysis to determine allele frequency, diversity, and distribution patterns.
Main Results:
- The most common intrinsic alleles identified were blaADC-73, blaADC-30, blaADC-222, blaADC-33, and blaOXA-66. The most common acquired allele was blaOXA-23.
- A significant proportion of blaADC alleles were unassigned, and more distinct unassigned alleles were found than assigned ones.
- Temporal and geographical differences in allele distribution were observed, with a few common alleles dominating while many others were rare.
Conclusions:
- Whole genome sequencing data provides a scalable approach to study beta-lactamase allele diversity in Acinetobacter baumannii.
- Understanding beta-lactamase allele distribution is crucial for prioritizing research, guiding drug development, and informing clinical treatment strategies.
- The high prevalence of unassigned alleles highlights the need for ongoing characterization and potential discovery of novel resistance mechanisms.
