Identification of Acinetobacter baumannii via amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis

Abstract

Background : Acinetobacter baumannii is a multi-resistant opportunistic nosocomial pathogen responsible for hospital outbreaks worldwide. In addition to common microscopic and biochemical methods, the Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA) was tested to identify Acinetobacter genomic species (DNA groups). Methods: In this study, standard biochemical tests were used for identification of isolates. The genomic species of Acinetobacter spp. was confirmed by Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA). PCR products of 16S rRNA were digested with AluI, MboI and HhaI restriction enzymes. Results: ARDRA proved to be a rapid and reliable method for identification of Acinetobacter baumannii (genome species 2) of the Acinetobacter genomic species, including the closely related genomic species (genomic species 1 (A. calcoaceticus), 2 (A. baumannii), 3, and TU13). Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that ARDRA with AluI, MboI and HhaI restriction enzymes can be used for identificationof A. baumannii which may help to elucidate the ecology and clinical significance of different species of this genus. Since ARDRA is performed by universal primers of 16S rDNA gene, it is expected to be applicable to identifying most bacterial species.