Genome sequence of an Acinetobacter pittii strain isolated from a monk parakeet with pneumonia

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genomics
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Acinetobacter pittii is an opportunistic pathogen.
• Antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter species poses a significant public health threat.
• Avian species can serve as reservoirs for bacterial pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the antibiotic resistance profile of Acinetobacter pittii 624-B isolated from a diseased parakeet.
• To investigate the genomic basis of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in this isolate.

Main Methods:

• Phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed.
• Whole-genome sequencing was employed to identify relevant genes.
• Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify resistance and virulence-associated genes.

Main Results:

• Acinetobacter pittii 624-B demonstrated resistance to cefoxitin, cephalothin, cephalexin, ampicillin, clindamycin, cefuroxime, and cefovencin.
• The genome harbors blaADC-13, ANT(3″)-IIa, and blaOXA-213-like genes, conferring beta-lactam and aminoglycoside resistance.
• Genes for acinetobactin synthesis and type II and VI secretion systems were identified, suggesting potential virulence.

Conclusions:

• This study highlights the presence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter pittii in avian species.
• The identified resistance genes and secretion systems provide insights into the pathogen's adaptability and potential for transmission.
• Further research is warranted to understand the role of avian reservoirs in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.