1
|
Lucidi M, Visaggio D, Migliaccio A, Capecchi G, Visca P, Imperi F, Zarrilli R. Pathogenicity and virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii: Factors contributing to the fitness in healthcare settings and the infected host. Virulence 2024; 15:2289769. [PMID: 38054753 PMCID: PMC10732645 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2289769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections and hospital outbreaks, particularly in intensive care units. Much of the success of A. baumannii relies on its genomic plasticity, which allows rapid adaptation to adversity and stress. The capacity to acquire novel antibiotic resistance determinants and the tolerance to stresses encountered in the hospital environment promote A. baumannii spread among patients and long-term contamination of the healthcare setting. This review explores virulence factors and physiological traits contributing to A. baumannii infection and adaptation to the hospital environment. Several cell-associated and secreted virulence factors involved in A. baumannii biofilm formation, cell adhesion, invasion, and persistence in the host, as well as resistance to xeric stress imposed by the healthcare settings, are illustrated to give reasons for the success of A. baumannii as a hospital pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Lucidi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Visaggio
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Imperi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Zarrilli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahuatzin-Flores OE, Torres E, Chávez-Bravo E. Acinetobacter baumannii, a Multidrug-Resistant Opportunistic Pathogen in New Habitats: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:644. [PMID: 38674589 PMCID: PMC11051781 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, humanity has begun to face a growing challenge posed by a rise in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This has resulted in an alarming surge in fatalities and the emergence of increasingly hard-to-manage diseases. Acinetobacter baumannii can be seen as one of these resilient pathogens due to its increasing prevalence in hospitals, its resistance to treatment, and its association with elevated mortality rates. Despite its clinical significance, the scientific understanding of this pathogen in non-hospital settings remains limited. Knowledge of its virulence factors is also lacking. Therefore, in this review, we seek to shed light on the latest research regarding the ecological niches, microbiological traits, and antibiotic resistance profiles of Acinetobacter baumannii. Recent studies have revealed the presence of this bacterium in a growing range of environmental niches, including rivers, treatment plants, and soils. It has also been discovered in diverse food sources such as meat and vegetables, as well as in farm animals and household pets such as dogs and cats. This broader presence of Acinetobacter baumannii, i.e., outside of hospital environments, indicates a significant risk of environmental contamination. As a result, greater levels of awareness and new preventive measures should be promoted to address this potential threat to public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar E. Ahuatzin-Flores
- Posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Edificio IC 6. Ciudad Universitaria, Puebla 72570, Mexico;
| | - Eduardo Torres
- Centro de Química, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico;
| | - Edith Chávez-Bravo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ababneh Q, Abu Laila S, Jaradat Z. Prevalence, genetic diversity, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from urban environments. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:3617-3633. [PMID: 36002793 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Acinetobacter baumannii is a well-known nosocomial pathogen that has been isolated from different clinical sources. This pathogen also causes community-acquired infections, with mortality rates as high as 64%. The exact natural habitat of this bacterium is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of A. baumannii in diverse soil and high-touch surface samples collected from a university campus, malls, parks, hypermarkets and produce markets, roundabout playground slides, and bank ATMs. METHODS AND RESULTS All obtained isolates were characterized for their antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm formation capacities, and were typed by multi-locus sequence analysis. A total of 63 A. baumannii isolates were recovered, along with 46 A. pittii and 8 A. nosocomialis isolates. Sequence typing revealed that 25 A. baumannii isolates are novel strains. Toilets and sink washing basins were the most contaminated surfaces, accounting for almost 50% of the recovered isolates. A number of A. baumannii (n=10), A. pittii (n=19) and A. nosocomialis (n=5) isolates were recovered from handles of shopping carts and baskets. The majority of isolates were strong biofilm formers and 4 exhibited a multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to highlight community restrooms and shopping carts as potential reservoirs for pathogenic Acinetobacter species. Further studies are required to identify the reasons associated with the occurrence of A. baumannii inside restrooms. Proper disinfection of community environmental surfaces and spreading awareness about the importance of hand hygiene may prevent the dissemination of pathogenic bacteria within the community. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY Serious gaps remain in our knowledge of how A. baumannii spreads to cause disease. This study will advance our understanding of how this pathogen spreads between healthcare and community environments. In addition, our findings will help healthcare decision makers implement better measures to control and limit further transmission of A. baumannii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qutaiba Ababneh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sally Abu Laila
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ziad Jaradat
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science and Arts, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dias LL, Nakamura-Silva R, de Oliveira Junior GAT, Mego IOG, Mendonça GS, Pitondo-Silva A. Hospital liquid waste contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria raises a public health hazard alert in Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:719. [PMID: 34642819 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) is a global concern because it poses a serious threat to public health. The inadequate handling of Health Services Waste (HSW) and, therefore, the incorrect disposal of infected liquids can cause contamination of the environment, the emergence of diseases caused by MDR bacteria, and the loss of the population's quality of life. The present study aimed to survey the bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance profiles, present in the liquid residues from infected surgeries performed in five years, often discharged into the sewage network of a large tertiary hospital located in the city of Uberlândia, which is considered one of the main economic and demographic centers of Brazil. A systematic and retrospective survey of the medical records of patients who underwent infected surgeries from January 2015 to December 2019 was carried out at the referred hospital. The bacterial species were previously identified and characterized for the antimicrobial susceptibility profile by the VITEK 2 automated system (bioMérieux, Brazil). In the evaluated period, 1658 infected surgeries were performed and the results showed 661 bacterial strains distributed in 48 different species, being Staphylococcus aureus the most prevalent species. The vast majority (85.6%) showed some type of antimicrobial resistance among these strains, with more than half (54.6%) being MDR. The results of this work raise an alert and concern for the risks to the environment and public health by dumping these infected liquid wastes directly into the sewage system without proper prior decontamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Lúcia Dias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia Ambiental, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto - UNAERP., Av. Costábile Romano, 2201, São Paulo, 14096-900, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Rafael Nakamura-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia Ambiental, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto - UNAERP., Av. Costábile Romano, 2201, São Paulo, 14096-900, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Ivan Orlando Gonzales Mego
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Silva Mendonça
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - André Pitondo-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia Ambiental, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto - UNAERP., Av. Costábile Romano, 2201, São Paulo, 14096-900, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma C, McClean S. Mapping Global Prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii and Recent Vaccine Development to Tackle It. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060570. [PMID: 34205838 PMCID: PMC8226933 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a leading cause of nosocomial infections that severely threaten public health. The formidable adaptability and resistance of this opportunistic pathogen have hampered the development of antimicrobial therapies which consequently leads to very limited treatment options. We mapped the global prevalence of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii and showed that carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii is widespread throughout Asia and the Americas. Moreover, when antimicrobial resistance rates of Acinetobacter spp. exceed a threshold level, the proportion of A. baumannii isolates from clinical samples surges. Therefore, vaccines represent a realistic alternative strategy to tackle this pathogen. Research into anti-A. baumannii vaccines have enhanced in the past decade and multiple antigens have been investigated preclinically with varying results. This review summarises the current knowledge of virulence factors relating to A. baumannii–host interactions and its implication in vaccine design, with a view to understanding the current state of A. baumannii vaccine development and the direction of future efforts.
Collapse
|
6
|
Karah N, Wai SN, Uhlin BE. CRISPR-based subtyping to track the evolutionary history of a global clone of Acinetobacter baumannii. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 90:104774. [PMID: 33618003 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii global clone 1 (GC1) is the second most common clone in the global population of A. baumannii isolates and a key cause of hospital-acquired infections. In this study, comparative analysis of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based sequence types (CST) was performed to determine the genetic relatedness and track patterns of descent among 187 GC1 isolates, as a complement to the evolutionary inferences from their multilocus sequence types and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogeny. The CST2 cluster, CST2 and all the CSTs descending from CST2, corresponded to GC1 lineage 1. This cluster included 143 of the 187 isolates showing a prevalent geographical distribution worldwide. A well-demarcated group of 13 CSTs, accounting for 33 of the 187 isolates, corresponded to GC1 lineage 2. All the CSTs of this group were characterized by the absence of spacer Ab-18. Many of the GC1 lineage 2 isolates had an epidemiological link to the Middle East and/or were obtained in military healthcare facilities. GC1 lineage 3 was a novel lineage that has so far been limited to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Diversification of A. baumannii GC1 into lineages and clades has probably been related to a dynamic expansion after passing a migration bottleneck to enter the hospital environment. We conclude that CRISPR-based subtyping is a convenient method to trace the evolutionary history of particular bacterial clones, such as A. baumannii GC1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Karah
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Sun Nyunt Wai
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bernt Eric Uhlin
- Department of Molecular Biology, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Łopińska A, Indykiewicz P, Skiebe E, Pfeifer Y, Trček J, Jerzak L, Minias P, Nowakowski J, Ledwoń M, Betleja J, Wilharm G. Low Occurrence of Acinetobacter baumannii in Gulls and Songbirds. Pol J Microbiol 2020; 69:1-6. [PMID: 32162853 PMCID: PMC7256842 DOI: 10.33073/pjm-2020-011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a worldwide occurring nosocomial pathogen, the natural habitats of which remain to be defined. Recently, white stork nestlings have been described as a recurring source of A. baumannii. Here, we challenged the hypothesis of a general preference of A. baumannii for avian hosts. Taking advantage of campaigns to ring free-living birds, we collected cloacal swab samples from 741 black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) in Poland, tracheal and cloacal swabs from 285 songbirds in Poland as well as tracheal swabs from 25 songbirds in Slovenia and screened those for the growth of A. baumannii on CHROMagar™ Acinetobacter. Of the 1,051 samples collected only two yielded A. baumannii isolates. Each carried one variant of the blaOXA-51-like gene, i.e. OXA-71 and OXA-208, which have been described previously in clinical isolates of A. baumannii. In conclusion, our data do not support a general preference of A. baumannii for avian hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andżelina Łopińska
- Robert Koch Institute , Wernigerode Branch, Wernigerode , Germany ; Institute of Biological Sciences , University of Zielona Góra , Zielona Góra , Poland
| | - Piotr Indykiewicz
- Department of Biology and Animal Environment , Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology , UTP University of Science and Technology , Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Evelyn Skiebe
- Robert Koch Institute , Wernigerode Branch, Wernigerode , Germany
| | - Yvonne Pfeifer
- Robert Koch Institute , Wernigerode Branch, Wernigerode , Germany
| | - Janja Trček
- Department of Biology , Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics , University of Maribor , Maribor , Slovenia
| | - Leszek Jerzak
- Institute of Biological Sciences , University of Zielona Góra , Zielona Góra , Poland
| | - Piotr Minias
- Department of Biodiversity Studies and Bioeducation , Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection , University of Łódź , Łódź , Poland
| | - Jacek Nowakowski
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection , Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology , University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn , Olsztyn , Poland
| | - Mateusz Ledwoń
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences , Kraków , Poland
| | - Jacek Betleja
- Upper Silesian Museum , Department of Natural History , Bytom , Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
High Level of Resistance to Antimicrobials and Heavy Metals in Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas sp. Isolated from Water Sources. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:2694-2701. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02052-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
9
|
Furlan JPR, de Almeida OGG, De Martinis ECP, Stehling EG. Characterization of an Environmental Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter seifertii and Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals Co-occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance and Metal Tolerance Determinants. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2151. [PMID: 31620107 PMCID: PMC6759475 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex is considered one of the main causes of hospital-acquired infections. Acinetobacter seifertii was recently characterized within this complex and it has been described as an emergent pathogen associated with bacteremia. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, including Acinetobacter sp., is considered a global public health threat and an environmental problem because MDR bacteria have been spreading from several sources. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize an environmental MDR A. seifertii isolate (SAb133) using whole genome sequencing and a comparative genomic analysis was performed with A. seifertii strains recovered from various sources. The SAb133 isolate was obtained from soil of a corn crop field and presented high MICs for antimicrobials and metals. The comparative genomic analyses revealed ANI values higher than 95% of relatedness with other A. seifertii strains than A. calcoaceticus-A. baumannii complex. Resistome and virulome analyses were also performed and showed different antimicrobial resistance determinants and metal tolerance genes as well as virulence genes related to A. baumannii known virulence genes. In addition, genomic islands, IS elements, plasmids and prophage-related sequences were detected. Comparative genomic analysis showed that MDR A. seifertii SAb133 had a high amount of determinants related to antimicrobial resistance and tolerance to metals, besides the presence of virulence genes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a whole genome sequence of a MDR A. seifertii isolated from soil. Therefore, this study contributed to a better understanding of the genetic relationship among the few known A. seifertii strains worldwide distributed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Rueda Furlan
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Otávio Guilherme Gonçalves de Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Elaine Cristina Pereira De Martinis
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eliana Guedes Stehling
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|