Abstract
Although food is very important for the human life, it may be life threatening. Foodborne diseases are spreading worldwide through the increasing rate of fresh and undercooked food consumption. Foodborne pathogens include many types of bacterial species. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Acinetobacter species isolated from meat samples, as well as their phenotypic characteristics, antimicrobial resistance profiles; and genotypic characteristics. A total of 110 samples, collected from chickens (n=50), beef (n=44), rabbits (n=10), and mutton (n=6), were examined bacteriologically. The suspected colonies were identified biochemically and then tested for their antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and hemolytic activity, Identification was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the genes; rpoB, tarT, fimH, and espA. Nine Acinetobacter species isolates (8.2%) were recovered. Fifty five samples resulted in the isolation of non-lactose fermenters with an incidence of 50%, 29 produced late lactose fermenters with an incidence of 26% while, the rest of samples showed no growth or non-lactose fermenters. On antibiogram, the isolates showed high resistance to ceftriaxone, imipenem, ceftazidime and ticarcillin/clavulanic acid in percentages of 89%, 77.8%, 66.7% and 66.7 %, respectively. While, low resistance was found to sulfamethazole/trimethoprim, doxycycline and amikacin in percentages of 44.4%, 33.3% and 11.1%, respectively. However, the isolates showed no resistance to ciprofloxacin. All the isolates were MDR with MDRindex (more than 0.5), only one isolate was weak biofilm producer but, no isolates produced hemolysis of the sheep RBCS. Genetically, 88.9% of the isolates expressed tarT and fimH genes while only 5.6% of the isolates expressed espA gene. It can be concluded that Acinetobacter species are to be considered when inspecting meat samples of different sources.
Highlights
Acinetobacter is a Gram-negative, catalasepositive, oxidase-negative, strictly aerobic coccobacillus bacterium that arranges in pairs and exhibits twitching motility (Rebic et al, 2018)
Unhygienic measures and bad handling practices associated with meat processing of ready-toeat products such as vegetables and fruits lead to crosscontamination with many harmful bacteria including Acinetobacter species (Zhang et al, 2014; Askari et al, 2020)
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Acinetobacter species in the meat of different sources and determine the phenotypic characteristics, antimicrobial resistance profile, and virulence traits; and their genetic existence by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Summary
Acinetobacter is a Gram-negative, catalasepositive, oxidase-negative, strictly aerobic coccobacillus bacterium that arranges in pairs and exhibits twitching motility (Rebic et al, 2018) It causes one of the most critical hospital-acquired infections, especially in ICUs, leading to pneumonia, septicemia, meningitis, cystitis, and wound and skin infections (Askari et al, 2019). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Acinetobacter species in the meat of different sources and determine the phenotypic characteristics, antimicrobial resistance profile, and virulence traits; and their genetic existence by PCR. Identification of suspected Acinetobacter species: Acinetobacter species isolates were identified based on colonial morphology, microscopical characteristics (Gram-negative rods to coccobacilli, with different sizes, usually arranged in groups and may appear violet, confusing with Gram-positive), and their biochemical testing; oxidase, catalase, TSI, motility, indole, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer, citrate utilization and urease test according to Vos et al, (2011). Oligonucleotide sequences (5'-3') F: TAY CGY AAA GAY TTG AAA GAAG R: CMA CAC CYT TGT STM CCR TGA F: GGT GTG GTG CGA TGA GCA CAG R: CAC GGT TCA GCC ATC CCT GAG F: TGC AGA ACG GAT AAG CCG TGG R: GCA GTC ACC TGC CCT CCG GTA
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
