Genotyping and distribution of putative virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes of Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from raw meat.
Background
Acinetobacter baumannii strains with multiple antimicrobial resistance are primarily known as opportunistic nosocomial bacteria but they may also be regarded as emerging bacterial contaminants of food samples of animal origin. Here we aimed to study the molecular characteristics of the A. baumanni strains isolated from raw meat samples.


Methods
A total of 22 A. baumanni strains were isolated from 126 animal meat samples and were genotyped by ERIC-PCR method and by PCR detection of their virulence and antimicrobial resistance determinants. A. baumannii strains with 80% and more similarities were considered as one cluster.


Results
Sixteen different genetic clusters were found amongst the 22 A. baumanni strains. Of the 22 strains, 12 (54.54%) had similar genetic cluster. A. baumannii strains exhibited the highest percentage of resistance against tetracycline (90.90%), trimethoprim (59.09%), cotrimoxazole (54.54%) and gentamicin (50.00%). TetA (81.81%), tetB (72.72%), dfrA1 (63.63%), aac(3)-IV (63.63%), sul1 (63.63%) and aadA1 (45.45%) were the most commonly detected antibiotic resistance genes. FimH (81.81%), afa/draBC (63.63%), csgA (63.63%), cnf1 (59.09%), cnf2 (54.54%) and iutA (50.00%) were the most commonly detected virulence factors. A. baumannii strains isolated from the chicken meat samples had the highest similarities in the genetic cluster.


Conclusions
A. baumannii strains with similar genetic cluster (ERIC-Type) had the same prevalence of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. Genetic cluster of the A. baumannii strains is the main factor affected the similarities in the genotypic and phenotypic properties of the A. baumannii strains.
['Tavakol|Marziyeh|M|', 'Momtaz|Hassan|H|', 'Mohajeri|Parviz|P|', 'Shokoohizadeh|Leili|L|', 'Tajbakhsh|Elahe|E|']
D000151:Acinetobacter Infections D040981:Acinetobacter baumannii D000818:Animals D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial D005516:Food Microbiology D005838:Genotype D008460:Meat D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests D058889:Molecular Typing D010802:Phylogeny D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction D037521:Virulence Factors
Acinetobacter baumannii Raw meat ERIC-PCR Antibiotic resistance pattern Virulence genes