Genomic features and comparative analysis of a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter bereziniae strain infecting an animal: a novel emerging one health pathogen?

• Published in: World journal of microbiology & biotechnology Vol. 40; no. 2; p. 63
• Main Authors: Stehling, Eliana Guedes, Sellera, Fábio P., de Almeida, Otávio Guilherme Gonçalves, Gonzalez, Irys Hany Lima, Ramos, Patrícia Locosque, da Rosa-Garzon, Nathália Gonsales, von Zeska Kress, Marcia Regina, Cabral, Hamilton, Furlan, João Pedro Rueda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.02.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acinetobacter; Acinetobacter - genetics; Amides; Animal human relations; Animals; Anthropogenic factors; Antimicrobial agents; Antimicrobial resistance; Applied Microbiology; Bacteria; Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biotechnology; Brazil; Comparative analysis; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Genes; Genomic analysis; Genomics; Life Sciences; Microbiology; Minimum inhibitory concentration; Multidrug resistance; Multidrug resistant organisms; Natural environment; One Health; Pathogens; Strains (organisms); Virulence; β Lactamase; β-Lactam antibiotics; Brazil; Antimicrobial resistance; Gene transfer; Wild animals; One Health; Acinetobacter
• ISSN: 0959-3993; 1573-0972
• DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03867-y

Acinetobacter bereziniae has recently gained medical notoriety due to its emergence as a multidrug resistance and healthcare-associated pathogen. In this study, we report the whole-genome characterization of an A. bereziniae strain (A321) recovered from an infected semiaquatic turtle, as well as a comparative analysis of A. bereziniae strains circulating at the human-animal-environment interface. Strain A321 displayed a multidrug resistance profile to medically important antimicrobials, which was supported by a wide resistome. The novel Tn 5393m transposon and a qnrB19 -bearing ColE1-like plasmid were identified in A321 strain. Novel OXA-229-like β-lactamases were detected and expression of OXA-931 demonstrated a 2–64-fold increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration for β-lactam agents. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that most A. bereziniae strains did not carry any antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs); however, some strains from China, Brazil, and India harbored six or more ARGs. Furthermore, A. bereziniae strains harbored conserved virulence genes. These results add valuable information regarding the spread of ARGs and mobile genetic elements that could be shared not only between A. bereziniae but also by other bacteria of clinical interest. This study also demonstrates that A. bereziniae can spill over from anthropogenic sources into natural environments and subsequently be transmitted to non-human hosts, making this a potential One Health bacteria that require close surveillance.