Fresh produce as a potential vehicle for transmission of Acinetobacter baumannii

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium that has gained a stronghold inside healthcare settings. Due to the ability of A. baumannii to acquire antibiotic resistance easily, its presence in food products could pose a major threat to the public health. The aim of this study therefore, was to investigate the prevalence of A. baumannii in fresh produce and study their genetic diversity. A total of 234 samples of vegetables and fruits were collected. A. baumannii isolates were identified using CHROMagar and two different PCR assays. Also, the isolates were tested for their ability to resist antibiotics and form biofilms. The genetic diversity of the isolates was determined using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 234 samples collected, 10 (6.5%) and 7 (8.75%) A. baumannii isolates were recovered from vegetables and fruits, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that 4 of these isolates were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). All isolates were able to form biofilms and MLST analysis revealed 6 novel strains. This study demonstrated that fresh produce constitutes a reservoir for A. baumannii, including strong biofilm formers and XDR strains. This represents a significant concern to public health because vegetables and fruits may serve as a vehicle for the spread of A. baumannii and antibiotic resistance into the community and healthcare settings.

Tolerance of foodborne Acinetobacter spp. to sanitizer agents

“…Recently, one study reported that all isolates (n = 17) of Acinetobacter spp. derived from fresh vegetables and fruits were able to produce biofilms [26]. However, our results differ from the above findings, as a low frequency of isolates produced biofilms (13.3%).…”

“…isolates by genetic sequencing of meat products [30]. A recent study detected four A. baumannii isolates from fresh fruits and vegetables (red apple, green grape, guava, and red radish) that were resistant to 16 antibiotics, including carbapenems, and were classified as extensively drugresistant (XDR) [26].…”

Virulence Characteristics and Emerging Therapies for Biofilm-Forming Acinetobacter baumannii: A Review

“…A. baumannii , being an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen, gained advert importance due to its emerging multidrug-resistant characteristics caused by several virulence factors, including biofilm formation. It has been estimated that the formation of biofilm renders bacteria more resistant to antibiotics compared to other free-living cells [ 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 ]. The factors that initiate the formation of biofilm have been well-understood by the main interaction between the ambient environmental factors and the bacterial cells [ 138 , 139 , 140 ].…”

“…It has been estimated that the formation of biofilm renders bacteria more resistant to antibiotics compared to other free-living cells [ 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 ]. The factors that initiate the formation of biofilm have been well-understood by the main interaction between the ambient environmental factors and the bacterial cells [ 138 , 139 , 140 ]. In hospital surroundings, mainly in ICUs, A. baumannii currently exists as a potent drug-resistant bacterium.…”

Prevalence, genetic diversity, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from urban environments

“…Thus, the prevalence of this pathogen in the community and outside hospitals remains unclear or poorly defined. A role of extra‐hospital reservoirs of A. baumannii in causing and spreading infections in the community has been suggested (Ababneh, Al‐Rousan, & Jaradat, 2022; Adjei et al, 2021; Al Atrouni, Hamze, et al, 2016; Anane et al, 2019; Berlau et al, 1999; Choi et al, 2012; Elbehiry et al, 2021; Eveillard et al, 2013; Rafei et al, 2015; Vangnai & Petchkroh, 2007). In addition, new strains of A. baumannii from the community could be introduced into the hospital environments by patients or their companions (Ababneh, Abulaila, & Jaradat, 2021; Al Atrouni, Hamze et al, 2016; Bocanegra‐Ibarias et al, 2015; de Azevedo et al, 2019; Ghaith et al, 2017; Grosso et al, 2011; Handal et al, 2017; Huang et al, 2016; Lorenzin et al, 2019).…”