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High-level polymyxin B resistance and underlying mechanism in a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter strain isolated

Peng Qin1, Wei Ding2, Weipeng Zhang3

  • 1College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Taiyuan Normal University, Jinzhong, China.

The Journal of Antibiotics
|December 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Marine Acinetobacter exhibits multidrug resistance, including high-level resistance to polymyxin B. This finding highlights the ecological risk of antibiotic resistance in the marine plastisphere environment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter is a significant public health concern.
  • The antibiotic resistance profiles of marine Acinetobacter strains are largely unknown.
  • The marine plastisphere is a potential reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antibiotic resistance characteristics of Acinetobacter isolated from the marine plastisphere.
  • To identify the resistance mechanisms employed by a multidrug-resistant marine Acinetobacter strain.
  • To assess the ecological risk posed by antibiotic resistance in marine environments.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and phylogenetic analysis of Acinetobacter beijerinkii strain MPE71 from marine plastic debris.
  • Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays to determine resistance to ten antibiotics, including polymyxin B.
  • Genomic and transcriptomic analyses to identify resistance genes and elucidate resistance mechanisms.
  • Proton motive force (PMF) inhibition assays to confirm the role of efflux pumps.

Main Results:

  • Strain MPE71 displayed multidrug resistance, including high-level resistance to polymyxin B (MIC = 200 µg/mL).
  • Genomic analysis revealed numerous multidrug efflux pump genes in MPE71.
  • Transcriptomic data indicated enhanced membrane biosynthesis and upregulation of efflux pump genes.
  • PMF inhibition significantly reduced polymyxin B resistance, confirming the role of PMF-dependent efflux pumps.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to report multidrug resistance, including high-level polymyxin B resistance, in marine plastisphere Acinetobacter.
  • The findings underscore the ecological risk of antibiotic resistance dissemination within marine environments.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms in marine bacteria is crucial for public health and environmental safety.

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