BackgroundAcinetobacter 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsSixteen 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.ConclusionsA. 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.

A total of 500 samples including blood, phlegm, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pus were collected from patients on admission in these hospitals. A baumannii was identified by using standard microbiological procedures and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed according to clinical and laboratory standard institute (CLSI) guidelines using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique, while different resistance genes were detected using PCR method. Results: A total of 121 A baumannii was detected out of 500 samples, representing 24.20% period prevalence. A baumannii was detected from all the sample groups, but a higher prevalence was observed in the blood (43.87%) and phlegm (24.11%). Antibiotic resistance profile showed higher resistance of A baumannii to tetracycline (90.90%), trimethoprim (61.98%) and cotrimoxazole (51.23%), followed by aminoglycosides (9.91-31.40%). Relatively low resistance was observed to cephalosporins (16.52-20.66%), quinolones (6.61-9.91%) and macrolides (8.26-14.04%), while the lowest resistance was observed to carbapenems (3.3-5.78%), chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin. Highest detection for resistant genes was observed for tetA (58.67%), aac (3)-IV (56.19%), sul1 (55.37%) and dfrA1 (48.76%). Relatively low detection was observed for aad A1, bla-genes (SHV, CTX-M, OXA-like, VIM, SIM and IMP) and lowest detection was observed for cat1 and cmlA, while no qnr gene was detected. Conclusions: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter infections are posing an increasing threat to the population in these communities. Carbapenems provide an effective option against infections caused by resistant A baumannii.