Antimicrobial Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Foods in Saudi Arabia
Eman Marzouk1, Adil Abalkhail1
1Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, P.O. Box 6666, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Acinetobacter baumannii is widely recognized as a problematic pathogen in healthcare settings due to its ability to acquire resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents. However, less attention has been given to its presence outside hospitals. In this cross-sectional, laboratory-based surveillance study, we investigated the occurrence of A. baumannii in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods sold at retail outlets in four cities of the Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, during a single season. A total of 240 RTE food samples were analyzed using culture-based and molecular approaches for species confirmation, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined. A. baumannii was identified in 19 samples (7.9%), spanning several food categories. Most isolates showed resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, and 16 met the criteria for multidrug resistance (MDR). Among the confirmed isolates, blaOXA-23-like was detected in 16 (84.2%), blaOXA-24/40-like in 2 (10.5%), and blaOXA-58-like in 1 (5.3%). Resistance to fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides was common, and OXA-type carbapenemase genes were detected in 16 isolates. These findings indicate that RTE foods can represent non-clinical environments in which MDR A. baumannii may be detected. Including food sources in antimicrobial resistance surveillance may therefore strengthen our understanding of the ecology of this pathogen within a One Health framework.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant *Acinetobacter baumannii* was found in ready-to-eat foods in Saudi Arabia. This highlights the need to monitor food sources for antimicrobial resistance within a One Health approach.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- *Acinetobacter baumannii* is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen known for its antimicrobial resistance.
- Limited research exists on the prevalence of *A. baumannii* in non-clinical environments, such as food.
- Understanding its presence in food is crucial for comprehensive surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of *Acinetobacter baumannii* in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods.
- To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of detected *A. baumannii* isolates.
- To assess the potential role of RTE foods as a reservoir for multidrug-resistant (MDR) *A. baumannii*.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 RTE food samples from Saudi Arabia.
- Culture-based and molecular methods were used for species confirmation.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and detection of carbapenemase genes (e.g., *bla*OXA-like) were performed.
Main Results:
- *Acinetobacter baumannii* was identified in 7.9% of RTE food samples.
- 16 out of 19 isolates (84.2%) exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR).
- Carbapenemase genes, including *bla*OXA-23-like, *bla*OXA-24/40-like, and *bla*OXA-58-like, were detected in MDR isolates.
Conclusions:
- Ready-to-eat foods can serve as a non-clinical source for multidrug-resistant *A. baumannii*.
- Antimicrobial resistance surveillance should encompass food sources to understand pathogen ecology.
- Integrating food safety into a One Health framework is essential for managing antimicrobial resistance.
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