Genomic and Clinical Characterization of IMP-1-Producing Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter bereziniae Isolates from Bloodstream Infections in a Brazilian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is the main species of the Acinetobacter genus; however, non-baumannii Acinetobacter (NBA) species causing infections have been described for the past years, as well as antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we describe the occurrence of two multidrug-resistant (MDR) IMP-1-producing Acinetobacter bereziniae isolates recovered from bloodstream infections in different patients but in the same intensive care unit among 134 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter screened. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed resistance to carbapenems, extended spectrum, and antipseudomonad cephalosporins, amikacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Both A. bereziniae isolates shared the same ApaI-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern. Whole-genome sequencing of both isolates revealed that bla IMP-1 was embedded into an In86 Class I integron carrying also sul1, aac(6¢)-31, and aadA genes. A new sequence type (ST1309 Pasteur) was deposited. The virulence genes lpxC and ompA, seen in A. baumannii, were detected in the A. bereziniae strains. Recognition of A. bereziniae causing invasive MDR infection underscores the role of NBA species as human pathogens especially in at-risk patients.

An Acinetobacter non-baumannii Population Study: Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs)

“…As a consequence, while Acinetobacter infections are still mainly caused by A. baumannii [1,27], it is quite probable that other species will become as important in the future. It is already evident that multiple A. non-baumannii clinical isolates are resistant to one or more antibiotics [2,3]. The present and future efforts to design effective therapies against these pathogens require understanding their resistance profiles and genes.…”

“…Although in the past decades the vast majority of Acinetobacter infections used to be caused by the species baumannii, in the past few years numerous other Acinetobacter species became commonly identified as causative agents of nosocomial infections. A. calcoaceticus, A. lwoffii, A. junii, A. soli, A. ursingii, A. bereziniae and A. nosocomialis are also becoming common culprits of hospital infections [2,3]. Despite their diversity, a common characteristic of these species is the presence of multiple antibiotic resistance genes.…”

“…Likewise, multiple antibiotic resistance mechanisms have been documented in other Acinetobacter species (A. lwoffii, A. johnsonii, A. junnii, A. nosocomialis and A. pittii) mainly recovered from soil and wastewater, as well as vegetables and meats. These species are important environmental reservoirs of resistance genetic determinants, which could later give rise to clinically relevant strains [2][3][4][5][6][7].…”

cleanSURFACES® intervention reduces microbial activity on surfaces in a senior care facility

“…The types of HAIs Acinetobacter spp. have been associated with range from urinary and respiratory tract infections to bacteremia ( Peleg et al., 2008 ; Tavares et al., 2020 ). The reduction of these important opportunistic pathogens in both studies suggests that these mats, in conjunction with regular disinfection practices, could help prevent HAIs associated with various opportunistic pathogens over time.…”

Strong Homology Between Colonizing and Bloodstream Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Spp.: Implications for Empiric Antibiotic Therapy in Hematological Patients

“…is a complex genus that has become a common pathogen of nosocomial infections. 1 , 2 Acinetobacter baumannii ( A. baumannii ) is one of the most significant pathogens causing bloodstream infections (BSIs) associated with Acinetobacter spp. The mortality rate of Acinetobacter spp.…”