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Marino A, Augello E, Stracquadanio S, Bellanca CM, Cosentino F, Spampinato S, Cantarella G, Bernardini R, Stefani S, Cacopardo B, Nunnari G. Unveiling the Secrets of Acinetobacter baumannii: Resistance, Current Treatments, and Future Innovations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6814. [PMID: 38999924 PMCID: PMC11241693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136814] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii represents a significant concern in nosocomial settings, particularly in critically ill patients who are forced to remain in hospital for extended periods. The challenge of managing and preventing this organism is further compounded by its increasing ability to develop resistance due to its extraordinary genomic plasticity, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions. Its recognition as a significant public health risk has provided a significant impetus for the identification of new therapeutic approaches and infection control strategies. Indeed, currently used antimicrobial agents are gradually losing their efficacy, neutralized by newer and newer mechanisms of bacterial resistance, especially to carbapenem antibiotics. A deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is urgently needed to shed light on the properties that allow A. baumannii enormous resilience against standard therapies. Among the most promising alternatives under investigation are the combination sulbactam/durlobactam, cefepime/zidebactam, imipenem/funobactam, xeruborbactam, and the newest molecules such as novel polymyxins or zosurabalpin. Furthermore, the potential of phage therapy, as well as deep learning and artificial intelligence, offer a complementary approach that could be particularly useful in cases where traditional strategies fail. The fight against A. baumannii is not confined to the microcosm of microbiological research or hospital wards; instead, it is a broader public health dilemma that demands a coordinated, global response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marino
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Stracquadanio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Cosentino
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Spampinato
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Bruno Cacopardo
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
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de Oliveira PAA, Baboghlian J, Ramos COA, Mançano ASF, Porcari ADM, Girardello R, Ferraz LFC. Selection and validation of reference genes suitable for gene expression analysis by Reverse Transcription Quantitative real-time PCR in Acinetobacter baumannii. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3830. [PMID: 38360762 PMCID: PMC10869792 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51499-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium considered an emerging multi-drug-resistant pathogen. Furthermore, this bacterium can survive in extreme environmental conditions, which makes it a frequent cause of nosocomial infection outbreaks. Gene expression analyses by Reverse Transcription Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) depend on a reference gene, also called an endogenous gene, which is used to normalize the generated data and thus ensure an accurate analysis with minimal errors. Currently, gene expression analyses in A. baumannii are compromised, as there are no reports in the literature describing the identification of validated reference genes for use in RT-qPCR analyses. For this reason, we selected twelve candidate reference genes of A. baumannii and assessed their expression profile under different experimental and culture conditions. The expression stability of the candidate genes was evaluated by using statistical algorithms such as BestKeeper, geNorm, NormFinder, Delta CT, and RefFinder, in order to identify the most suitable candidate reference genes for RT-qPCR analyses. The statistical analyses indicated rpoB, rpoD, and fabD genes as the most adequate to ensure accurate normalization of RT-qPCR data in A. baumannii. The accuracy of the proposed reference genes was validated by using them to normalize the expression of the ompA gene, encoding the outer membrane protein A, in A. baumannii sensible and resistant to the antibiotic polymyxin. The present work provides suitable reference genes for precise RT-qPCR data normalization on future gene expression studies with A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana Baboghlian
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, SP, CEP 12916-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Andréia de Melo Porcari
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, SP, CEP 12916-900, Brazil
| | - Raquel Girardello
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, SP, CEP 12916-900, Brazil
| | - Lúcio Fábio Caldas Ferraz
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, SP, CEP 12916-900, Brazil.
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Jangid H, Kumar D, Kumar G, Kumar R, Mamidi N. Bibliometric Examination of Global Scientific Research about Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii (CRAB). Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1593. [PMID: 37998795 PMCID: PMC10668794 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This review paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the global scientific research pertaining to carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) from the years 1996 to 2023. The review employs a systematic approach to evaluate the trends, patterns, and collaborative networks within the CRAB research landscape, shedding light on its substantial global health implications. An analysis of the Scopus database reveals that the earliest publication within the CRAB research domain dates back to 1996. By conducting a meticulous examination of publication output, citation trends, author affiliations, and keyword distributions, this paper provides valuable insights into the evolution of research themes and the emergence of new areas of interest concerning CRAB. The findings of this bibliometric analysis prominently feature the most influential author within this field, namely, Higgins PG, who has contributed a remarkable 39 documents to CRAB research. It is noteworthy that China leads in terms of the quantity of published research articles in this domain, whereas the United States occupies the foremost position about citations within the CRAB research sphere. Furthermore, a more profound exploration of the data yields a heightened understanding of the current status of CRAB research, emphasizing potential avenues for future investigations and underscoring the imperative need for collaborative initiatives to address the challenges posed by this antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Jangid
- Department of Microbiology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India;
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Physical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India;
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India;
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA;
| | - Narsimha Mamidi
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Su PW, Yang EC, Moi SH, Yang CH, Chuang LY. Prevalence of Carbapenem Resistance Genes among Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from a Teaching Hospital in Taiwan. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1357. [PMID: 37760654 PMCID: PMC10525170 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091357] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The problem of antibiotic-resistant strains has become a global public issue; antibiotic resistance not only limits the choice of treatments but also increases morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. The multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is occurring simultaneously in hospitals and has become a major public health issue worldwide. Although many medical units have begun to control the use of antibiotics and paid attention to the issue of drug resistance, understanding the transmission pathways of clinical drug-resistant bacteria and drug-resistant mechanisms can be effective in real-time control and prevent the outbreak of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. In this study, a total of 154 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii obtained from Chia-Yi Christian Hospital in Taiwan were collected for specific resistance genotyping analysis. Ten genes related to drug resistance, including blaOXA-51-like, blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-58-like, blaOXA-24-like, blaOXA-143-like, tnpA, ISAba1, blaPER-1, blaNDM and blaADC, and the repetitive element (ERIC2) were selected for genotyping analysis. The results revealed that 135 A. baumannii isolates (87.6%) carried the blaOXA-51-like gene, 4.5% of the isolates harbored the blaOXA-23-like gene, and 3.2% of the isolates carried the blaOXA-58-like gene. However, neither the blaOXA-24-like nor blaOXA-143-like genes were detected in the isolates. Analysis of ESBL-producing strains revealed that blaNDM was not found in the test strains, but 38.3% of the test isolates carried blaPER-1. In addition, blaADC, tnpA and ISAba1genes were found in 64.9%, 74% and 93% of the isolates, respectively. Among the carbapenem-resistant strains of A. baumannii, 68% of the isolates presenting a higher antibiotic resistance carried both tnpA and ISAba1 genes. Analysis of the relationship between their phenotypes (antibiotic resistant and biofilm formation) and genotypes (antibiotic-resistant genes and biofilm-related genes) studied indicated that the bap, ompA, ISAba1and blaOXA-51 genes influenced biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance patterns based on the statistical results of a hierarchical clustering dendrogram. The analysis of the antibiotic-resistant mechanism provides valuable information for the screening, identification, diagnosis, treatment and control of clinical antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and is an important reference pointer to prevent strains from producing resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pai-Wei Su
- General Education Center, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, Kaohsiung 80793, Taiwan;
| | - Emirlyn Cheng Yang
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Sin-Hua Moi
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Hong Yang
- Department of Information Management, Tainan University of Technology, Tainan 71002, Taiwan
- Ph. D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yeh Chuang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
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Aldali JA. Acinetobacter baumannii: A multidrug-resistant pathogen, has emerged in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Med J 2023; 44:732-744. [PMID: 37582561 PMCID: PMC10425629 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2023.44.8.20230194] [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] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant opportunistic pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) has evolved mechanisms of resistance to a wide variety of antimicrobials, including carbapenems. In this article, we assessed the prevalence, risk factors, antimicrobial sensitivity, and resistance mechanisms among A. baumannii in several locations in Saudi Arabia. Hospital-acquired infections caused by A. baumannii were prevalent in the country due to a variety of reasons, such as the high number of critically ill patients, the frequency of gastrointestinal colonization, and the widespread use of antimicrobial medications. There has been an increase in the frequency of A. baumannii strains that are resistant to several antimicrobials, including carbapenems. Hospitals are a breeding ground for multidrug-resistant A. baumannii due to the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, the potential for patient-to-patient transmission of the bacteria, the high risk of infection during invasive intensive care unit procedures, and the high frequency with which diabetic and cancer patients in hospitals undergo invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Combinations of colistin and tigecycline with carbapenems or other antibiotics remain the best treatment option and are relatively safe to treat patients with multidrug resistance (MDR) A. baumannii infections, despite the rising incidence of resistance to these drugs observed in many hospitals. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in Saudi hospitals calls for in-depth research into the underlying molecular mechanisms of multidrug resistance. In addition, a better understanding of A. baumannii resistance patterns and the establishment of a treatment protocol to reduce the infection burden in Saudi Arabia could benefit from the implementation of a local antibiogram database in tandem with a national antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehad A. Aldali
- From the Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Mancuso G, De Gaetano S, Midiri A, Zummo S, Biondo C. The Challenge of Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance in Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria: "Attack on Titan". Microorganisms 2023; 11:1912. [PMID: 37630472 PMCID: PMC10456941 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The global burden of bacterial resistance remains one of the most serious public health concerns. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in critically ill patients require immediate empirical treatment, which may not only be ineffective due to the resistance of MDR bacteria to multiple classes of antibiotics, but may also contribute to the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Both the WHO and the ECDC consider carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) to be the highest priority. The ability to form biofilm and the acquisition of multiple drug resistance genes, in particular to carbapenems, have made these pathogens particularly difficult to treat. They are a growing cause of healthcare-associated infections and a significant threat to public health, associated with a high mortality rate. Moreover, co-colonization with these pathogens in critically ill patients was found to be a significant predictor for in-hospital mortality. Importantly, they have the potential to spread resistance using mobile genetic elements. Given the current situation, it is clear that finding new ways to combat antimicrobial resistance can no longer be delayed. The aim of this review was to evaluate the literature on how these pathogens contribute to the global burden of AMR. The review also highlights the importance of the rational use of antibiotics and the need to implement antimicrobial stewardship principles to prevent the transmission of drug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings. Finally, the review discusses the advantages and limitations of alternative therapies for the treatment of infections caused by these "titans" of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Mancuso
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.D.G.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (C.B.)
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Taj Z, Rasool MH, Khurshid M, Aslam B, Qamar MU. Insights into the Intersection of Biocide Resistance, Efflux Pumps, and Sequence Types in Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A Multicenter Study. Pathogens 2023; 12:899. [PMID: 37513746 PMCID: PMC10383717 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070899] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii, a pathogenic bacterium acquired in hospitals, causes diverse infections in humans. Previous studies have reported resistance among A. baumannii strains, potentially selecting multi-drug-resistant variants. In Pakistan, research has primarily focused on carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) strains, overlooking the investigation of efflux pumps (EPs) and biocide resistance. This study aims to assess A. baumannii strains from five hospitals in Pakistan, focusing on antibiotic and biocide susceptibility, the impact of EP inhibitors on antimicrobial susceptibility, and the distribution of ARGs and STs. A total of 130 non-repeated Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were collected from five tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan and identified using API 20NE and multiplex PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing utilized disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays, while biocide susceptibility was assessed with various agents. The impact of an efflux pump inhibitor (NMP) on antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated. PCR screening for ARGs and EPGs was followed by DNA sequencing validation. MLST was performed using the Pasteur scheme. Most isolates demonstrated resistance to tested antibiotics, with varying levels of susceptibility to biocides. All isolates exhibited the intrinsic class D β-lactamase blaOXA-51, while acquired blaOXA-23 was present in all CRAB isolates. Among EPs, adeJ, abeD, amvA, and aceI were prevalent in almost all isolates, with adeB found in 93% of isolates and adeG, adeT1, adeT2, and qacEΔ1 displaying lower prevalence ranging from 65% to 79%. The most common STs were ST589 and ST2, accounting for 28.46% and 25.38% of isolates, respectively, followed by ST642 at 12.6%. These findings indicate that A. baumannii strains in Pakistan are resistant to antibiotics (excluding colistin and tigecycline) and may be developing biocide resistance, which could contribute to the selection and dissemination of multi-drug-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Taj
- Institute of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Hidayat Rasool
- Institute of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Khurshid
- Institute of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Bilal Aslam
- Institute of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Usman Qamar
- Institute of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
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De Gaetano GV, Lentini G, Famà A, Coppolino F, Beninati C. Antimicrobial Resistance: Two-Component Regulatory Systems and Multidrug Efflux Pumps. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:965. [PMID: 37370284 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12060965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of multidrug-resistant bacteria is rapidly spreading worldwide. Among the various mechanisms determining resistance to antimicrobial agents, multidrug efflux pumps play a noteworthy role because they export extraneous and noxious substrates from the inside to the outside environment of the bacterial cell contributing to multidrug resistance (MDR) and, consequently, to the failure of anti-infective therapies. The expression of multidrug efflux pumps can be under the control of transcriptional regulators and two-component systems (TCS). TCS are a major mechanism by which microorganisms sense and reply to external and/or intramembrane stimuli by coordinating the expression of genes involved not only in pathogenic pathways but also in antibiotic resistance. In this review, we describe the influence of TCS on multidrug efflux pump expression and activity in some Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Taking into account the strict correlation between TCS and multidrug efflux pumps, the development of drugs targeting TCS, alone or together with already discovered efflux pump inhibitors, may represent a beneficial strategy to contribute to the fight against growing antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Germana Lentini
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Agata Famà
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Coppolino
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Concetta Beninati
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
- Scylla Biotech Srl, 98124 Messina, Italy
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