1
|
Merlino J, Rizzo S, Beresford R, Gray T. Isolation of Acinetobacter bereziniae harbouring plasmid bla NDM-1 in central Sydney, Australia. Pathology 2023; 55:867-868. [PMID: 37169647 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John Merlino
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Concord Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Department of Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sophia Rizzo
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Concord Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rohan Beresford
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Concord Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy Gray
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Concord Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Concord Hospital Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Krishnaraj A, Gupta P, Bhatia M, Omar BJ. Role of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for Species Identification of Acinetobacter Strains. J Lab Physicians 2023; 15:336-343. [PMID: 37564221 PMCID: PMC10411205 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acinetobacter species has become a leading cause of nosocomial infections in recent years. Objectives The aim of the study was to establish the usefulness of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for the identification of Acinetobacter species with respect to conventional biochemical methods and MicroScan WalkAway 96 Plus system and to compare the antibiotic susceptibility test results Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with MicroScan WalkAway 96 Plus automated identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing system. Materials and Methods The study sample comprised 100 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter species. They were all identified using MALDI-TOF MS and compared with other two identification systems. Statistical Analysis Comparison of categorical variables by Fisher's exact test or Pearson's chi-square test was done. All statistical tools were two tailed, and a significant level p < 0.05 was used. All statistical tests were performed using SPSS v22.0 (Armonk IBM Corp., New York, United States). Cohen's kappa coefficients were also calculated and used as applicable. Results MALDI-TOF MS revealed 92 A. baumannii , 2 Acinetobacter nosocomialis , 3 Acinetobacter lwoffii , and 1 each was identified as Acinetobacter junii , Acinetobacter johnsonii , and Acinetobacter tandoii . There was moderate agreement between identification by MicroScan WalkAway and MALDI-TOF, and substantial agreement between conventional biochemical tests and MALDI-TOF. We found that there was a 100% categorical agreement with respect to susceptibility of aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin) and cephalosporins (ceftazidime, cefepime, cefotaxime) between disk diffusion method and MicroScan WalkAway 96 Plus system. Total of 16 errors were observed. Conclusion Although MALDI-TOF MS could be useful to identify A. baumannii but not other species in the genus, it is a rapid, reliable method and can be routinely used in clinical laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Krishnaraj
- Department of Microbiology, St John's Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| | - Mohit Bhatia
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| | - Balram Ji Omar
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karakonstantis S, Kritsotakis EI. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the proportion and associated mortality of polymicrobial (vs monomicrobial) pulmonary and bloodstream infections by Acinetobacter baumannii complex. Infection 2021; 49:1149-1161. [PMID: 34260054 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-021-01663-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiating Acinetobacter baumannii complex (ABC) infection from colonization remains difficult and further complicated in polymicrobial infections. PURPOSE To assess the frequency of polymicrobial ABC infections and associated mortality. We hypothesized a lower mortality in polymicrobial infections if ABC isolation reflects colonization in some polymicrobial infections. METHODS A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and CENTRAL for studies reporting ABC pulmonary and bloodstream infections. The proportion of infections that were polymicrobial and the magnitude of the association between polymicrobial (vs monomicrobial) infection and mortality were estimated with meta-analyses. RESULTS Based on 80 studies (9759 infections) from 23 countries, the pooled proportion of polymicrobial infection was 27% (95% CI 22-31%) and was similarly high for bloodstream and pulmonary infections. Polymicrobial infection was variably and insufficiently defined in most (95%) studies. Considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 95%) was observed that persisted in subgroup analyses and meta-regressions. Based on 17 studies (2675 infections), polymicrobial infection was associated with lower 28-day mortality (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.98, I2 = 36%). However, polymicrobial infection was not associated with in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.69-1.35, I2 = 0%) based on 14 studies (953 infections). The quality of evidence (GRADE) for the association of polymicrobial (vs monomicrobial) infection with mortality was low and at high risk of bias. CONCLUSION Polymicrobial ABC infections are common and may be associated with lower 28-day mortality. Considering the heterogeneity of polymicrobial infections and limitations of the available literature, more research is required to clarify the clinical impact of polymicrobial (vs monomicrobial) ABC infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stamatis Karakonstantis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Evangelos I Kritsotakis
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Acinetobacter species have emerged as one of the most clinically important pathogens. The phenotypic techniques which are currently available are insufficient in accurately identifying and differentiating the closely related and clinically important Acinetobacter species. Here, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the conventional phenotypic methods, automated identification systems, molecular methods and MALDI-TOF in the precise identification and differentiation of Acinetobacter species. More specifically, several species of this genus are increasingly reported to be of high clinical importance. Molecular characterization such as of blaOXA-51-like PCR together with rpoB sequencing has high discriminatory power over the conventional methods for Acinetobacter species identification, especially within the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii complex. Acinetobacter species are considered to be one of the most important pathogens and associated with increased mortality. The species within the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii complex have emerged as high priority pathogens, especially in intensive care units, thereby posing a challenge to infection management practices. However, identification of Acinetobacter to the species level is difficult. Clear differentiation among various Acinetobacter species with available standard biochemical methods and automated systems is challenging. Although various molecular methods are available, they are not regularly used in diagnostic laboratories. The advantages and disadvantages of different methods useful in the accurate identification of Acinetobacter species are discussed in this review.
Collapse
|
5
|
Cerezales M, Xanthopoulou K, Ertel J, Nemec A, Bustamante Z, Seifert H, Gallego L, Higgins PG. Identification of Acinetobacter seifertii isolated from Bolivian hospitals. J Med Microbiol 2018; 67:834-837. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Cerezales
- Faculty of Medicine and Nursing; Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena s/n 48940 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Kyriaki Xanthopoulou
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Goldenfelstrasse 19-21 50935 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Ertel
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Goldenfelstrasse 19-21 50935 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexandr Nemec
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 48, 100 42, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zulema Bustamante
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Universidad Mayor de San Simón, Avenida Aniceto Arce s/n frente al parque La Torre Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Harald Seifert
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Goldenfelstrasse 19-21 50935 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lucia Gallego
- Faculty of Medicine and Nursing; Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena s/n 48940 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paul G. Higgins
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Goldenfelstrasse 19-21 50935 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gautam V, Sharma M, Singhal L, Kumar S, Kaur P, Tiwari R, Ray P. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry: An emerging tool for unequivocal identification of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli. Indian J Med Res 2018; 145:665-672. [PMID: 28948958 PMCID: PMC5644302 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1105_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been instrumental in revolutionizing microbiological identification, especially in high-throughput laboratories. It has enabled the identification of organisms like non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB), which has been a challenging task using conventional methods alone. In this study an attempt was made to validate MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of clinical isolates of each of the three most common NFGNB, other than Pseudomonas spp., taking molecular methods as the gold standard. METHODS One hundred and fifty clinical isolates of NFGNB, confirmed by molecular methods such as Acinetobacter baumannii[oxa-51 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)], Burkholderia cepacia complex (expanded multilocus sequence typing) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (species-specific PCR), were taken. Isolated colonies from fresh cultures of all 150 isolates were smeared onto ground steel plate, with and without formic acid extraction step. The identification was carried out using MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper database. RESULTS A concordance of 100 and 73.33 per cent was found between the molecular techniques and MALDI-TOF MS system in the identification of these isolates up to genus and species levels, respectively. Using a cut-off of 1.9 for reliable identification, rate of species identification rose to 82.66 per cent. Principal component analysis dendrogram and cluster analysis further increased discrimination of isolates. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed MALDI-TOF MS-based identification of NFGNB as a good, robust method for high-throughput laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Gautam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Megha Sharma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Lipika Singhal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Parvinder Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rupinder Tiwari
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pallab Ray
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zaki MES, Abou ElKheir N, Mofreh M. Molecular Study of Quinolone Resistance Determining Regions of gyrA Gene and parC Gene s in Clinical Isolates of Acintobacter baumannii Resistant to Fluoroquinolone. Open Microbiol J 2018; 12:116-122. [PMID: 29785218 PMCID: PMC5958293 DOI: 10.2174/1874285801812010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Acinetobacterb aumannii (A. baumannii) is an important pathogen in health care associated infections. Quinolone resistance has emerged in this pathogen. Aims & Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of mutations of gyrA gene and parC genes by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Polymerase Chain Reaction (RFLP-PCR) among clinical isolates of A. baumanii. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 140 clinical isolates of A. baumannii. The isolates were subjected to molecular study of mutations of gyrA gene and parC genes by RFLP–PCR beside determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by macro dilution tube method. Results: The isolates of A. baumannii were resistant to ciprofloxacine and levofloxacin at MIC >4 µg/ml. The most isolates had MIC >128 µg/ml (42.3%). All resistant strains to ciprofloxacin of A. baumannii had mutations in gyrA and parC. The most frequent mutations were combined mutations in both genes (85.5%) and 5% had single mutation either in gyrA or parC. The most frequently combined mutations were associated with MIC >128 µg/ml (42.3%). Conclusion: From this study we can conclude that resistance to ciprofloxacin was common in clinical isolates of A. baumannii. The most frequent mutations were present in gyrA and parC. However, mutations in parC alone were not uncommon. Further large scale studies are required to elucidate the resistance pattern of A. baumannii and its molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maysaa El Sayed Zaki
- Clinical Pathology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nermen Abou ElKheir
- Clinical Pathology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mofreh
- Clinical Pathology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim S, Kim MH, Lee WI, Kang SY, Jeon YL. Misidentification of Acinetobacter baumannii as Alcaligenes faecalis by VITEK 2 System; Case Report. Lab Med 2017; 49:e14-e17. [PMID: 29206938 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmx062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is widely known as an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that causes infection more frequently among immunocompromised individuals. Our case demonstrated the limitation of the current VITEK 2 system for the idendification of A. baumannii. Four clinical isolates of A. baumannii were identified as Alcaligenes faecalis by the VITEK 2 system. Misidentification might lead to unnecessary tests and inappropriate treatments. Additional methods appear to be helpful for the accurate identification of A. baumannii for clinical microbiology laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suekyeung Kim
- From the Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myeong Hee Kim
- From the Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo In Lee
- From the Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Young Kang
- From the Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| | - You La Jeon
- From the Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sandalakis V, Goniotakis I, Vranakis I, Chochlakis D, Psaroulaki A. Use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in the battle against bacterial infectious diseases: recent achievements and future perspectives. Expert Rev Proteomics 2017; 14:253-267. [PMID: 28092721 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1282825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advancements in microbial identification occur increasingly faster as more laboratories explore, refine and extend the use of mass spectrometry in the field of microbiology. Areas covered: This review covers the latest knowledge found in the literature for quick identification of various classes of bacterial pathogens known to cause human infection by the use of MALDI-TOF MS technology. Except for identification of bacterial strains, more researchers try to 'battle time' in favor of the patient. These novel approaches to identify bacteria directly from clinical samples and even determine antibiotic resistance are extensively revised and discussed. Expert commentary: Mass spectrometry is the future of bacterial identification and creates a new era in modern microbiology. Its incorporation in routine practice seems to be not too far, providing a valuable alternative, especially in terms of time, to conventional techniques. If the technology further advances, quick bacterial identification and probable identification of common antibiotic resistance might guide patient decision-making regarding bacterial infectious diseases in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vassilios Sandalakis
- a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece
| | - Ioannis Goniotakis
- a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece
| | - Iosif Vranakis
- a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Chochlakis
- a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece
| | - Anna Psaroulaki
- a Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, School of Medicine , University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim SW, Oh MH, Jun SH, Jeon H, Kim SI, Kim K, Lee YC, Lee JC. Outer membrane Protein A plays a role in pathogenesis of Acinetobacter nosocomialis. Virulence 2016; 7:413-26. [PMID: 26759990 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2016.1140298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter nosocomialis is an important nosocomial pathogen that causes a variety of human infections. However, the specific virulence factors of this microorganism have not yet been determined. We investigated the role of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) in the pathogenesis of A. nosocomialis. A ΔompA mutant of the A. nosocomialis ATCC 17903(T) strain was constructed using markerless gene deletion. The ΔompA mutant displayed reduced biofilm formation in polystyrene tubes and reduced adherence to A549 cells in comparison to the wild-type strain. These virulence traits of the ΔompA mutant strain were restored when the ompA gene was complemented. Cytotoxicity was not significantly different between the wild-type strain and the ΔompA mutant when A549 cells were infected with bacteria or treated with outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). However, OMVs from the wild-type strain induced cytotoxicity in HEp-2 cells, whereas OMVs from the ΔompA mutant did not induce cytotoxicity. Proteomic analysis of OMVs revealed that OmpA influenced the distribution of envelope and periplasmic proteins. Overall, this study is the first report that links OmpA to A. nosocomialis pathogenesis, and highlights OmpA as a putative target to develop anti-virulence agents or vaccines against A. nosocomialis infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Woo Kim
- a Department of Microbiology , Kyungpook National University School of Medicine , Daegu , Korea.,b Department of Orthopedic Surgery , Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine , Ulsan , Korea
| | - Man Hwan Oh
- c Department of Nanobiomedical Science , Dankook University , Cheonan , Korea
| | - So Hyun Jun
- a Department of Microbiology , Kyungpook National University School of Medicine , Daegu , Korea
| | - Hyejin Jeon
- a Department of Microbiology , Kyungpook National University School of Medicine , Daegu , Korea
| | - Seung Il Kim
- d Division of Life Science, Korea Basic Science Institute , Daejeon , Korea
| | - Kwangho Kim
- b Department of Orthopedic Surgery , Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine , Ulsan , Korea
| | - Yoo Chul Lee
- a Department of Microbiology , Kyungpook National University School of Medicine , Daegu , Korea
| | - Je Chul Lee
- a Department of Microbiology , Kyungpook National University School of Medicine , Daegu , Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Differentiation of Acinetobacter Genomic Species 13BJ/14TU from Acinetobacter haemolyticus by Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). J Clin Microbiol 2015. [PMID: 26224844 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03468-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
12
|
Jung J, Park W. Acinetobacter species as model microorganisms in environmental microbiology: current state and perspectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:2533-48. [PMID: 25693672 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6439-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Acinetobacter occupies an important position in nature because of its ubiquitous presence in diverse environments such as soils, fresh water, oceans, sediments, and contaminated sites. Versatile metabolic characteristics allow species of this genus to catabolize a wide range of natural compounds, implying active participation in the nutrient cycle in the ecosystem. On the other hand, multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causing nosocomial infections with high mortality has been raising serious concerns in medicine. Due to the ecological and clinical importance of the genus, Acinetobacter was proposed as a model microorganism for environmental microbiological studies, pathogenicity tests, and industrial production of chemicals. For these reasons, Acinetobacter has attracted significant attention in scientific and biotechnological fields, but only limited research areas such as natural transformation and aromatic compound degradation have been intensively investigated, while important physiological characteristics including quorum sensing, motility, and stress response have been neglected. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent achievements in Acinetobacter research with a special focus on strain DR1 and to compare the similarities and differences between species or other genera. Research areas that require more attention in future research are also suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaejoon Jung
- Laboratory of Molecular Environmental Microbiology, Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|