Multiplex PCR for genes encoding prevalent OXA carbapenemases in Acinetobacter spp.
Carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is a growing public health concern and is most often mediated by OXA carbapenemases. We describe a novel multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay able to detect and distinguish alleles encoding three subgroups of acquired OXA carbapenemases (OXA-23-like, OXA-24-like and OXA-58-like) that are scattered in Acinetobacter spp., and a fourth subgroup, OXA-51-like, which appears to be intrinsic to Acinetobacter baumannii. Isolates belonging to two prevalent UK A. baumannii 'OXA' clones (OXA-23 clones 1 and 2) had alleles encoding both an intrinsic OXA-51-like and an acquired OXA-23 enzyme, whereas isolates of the 'SE clone' had only an intrinsic bla(OXA-51-like) allele. Genes encoding OXA-58 were detected (with bla(OXA-51-like)) in a cluster of related isolates from a single hospital. This simple assay will assist in monitoring the mechanisms responsible for carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter spp.
Woodford
Neil
N
Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring and Reference Laboratory, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Ave., London NW9 5HT, UK. neil.woodford@hpa.org.uk
Ellington
Matthew J
MJ
Coelho
Juliana M
JM
Turton
Jane F
JF
Ward
M Elaina
ME
Brown
Susan
S
Amyes
Sebastian G B
SG
Livermore
David M
DM
D000150:Acinetobacter / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D000151:Acinetobacter Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D006113:United Kingdom; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000235:genetics*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; C466679:beta-lactamase OXA-23; C425106:beta-lactamase OXA-28; D001618:beta-Lactamases; C410345:beta-lactamase OXA-24; C509061:beta-lactamase OXA-58, Acinetobacter junii; C063912:carbapenemase