Spreading of AbaR-type genomic resistance islands in multidrug resistance Acinetobacter baumannii strains belonging to different clonal complexes.

RAMÍREZ MS, VILACOBA E, STIETZ MS, JERIC P, LIMANSKY AS, MÁRQUEZ C, BELLO H, CATALANO M, CENTRÓN D.

CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2013 vol. 67 p. 9 - 14

0343-8651

To determine the occurrence of the AbaR-type genomic island and its association with class 1 integrons in multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAb) isolates circulating in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, we studied 51 MDRAb isolates recovered from several hospitals at different years and belonging to unrelated clones. AbaR-type genomic resistance islands were present in 36 MDR A. baumannii isolates. PCR mapping showed different arrays to those previously described, evidencing the high variability and plasticity of the AbaR-type islands. Class 1 integrons were found in 13 isolates, being in 9 isolates (69%) located inside the island. In 3 of the 4 remaining isolates class 1 integrons were carried by plasmids. Accordingly to MLST, isolates carrying AbaR-type islands were grouped in 5 Clonal Complexes and 6 new singletons. A widespread distribution with diverse arrays of the AbaR-type genomic island among novel clones of A. baumannii has been identified. The high frequency of class 1 integrons inserted in the AbaR-type genomic island in our A. baumannii population since 1986 suggests its preferential location and persistence over time of this genetic platform.