Resistance to sulbactam/durlobactam in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in treatment-naive setting: In vitro data and genomic insights from Italian bloodstream isolates
Gabriele Bianco , Gherard Batisti Biffignandi , Matteo Boattini , Sara Comini , Cristina Costa , Michela Vumbaca , Paolo Gaibani
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective
This study evaluated the in vitro activity of sulbactam/durlobactam and comparators against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) bloodstream isolates from Italy and investigated genomic mechanisms underlying resistance.
Methods
A total of 110 consecutive CRAB isolates (2021–2023) were tested for susceptibility to sulbactam/durlobactam, cefiderocol, colistin, and comparators. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on sulbactam/durlobactam-resistant isolates to characterise β-lactamase genes, outbreak dynamics, and mutations in penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
Results
Sulbactam/durlobactam inhibited 87.3% of isolates (MIC₅₀ = 2 mg/L; MIC₉₀ > 64 mg/L), while 12.7% were resistant. Cefiderocol and colistin showed 91.8% and 96.4% susceptibility rates, respectively. All resistant isolates carried blaOXA-23, and three also harbored blaNDM-1. WGS revealed close clonal relationships (average nucleotide identity > 99%) among blaNDM-1 positive isolates (ST231) and among OXA-23-only isolates (ST837/ST369), indicating local outbreak dynamics. Comparative PBP analysis identified recurrent substitutions P112S and G137R (PBP1b), N392T and A515V (PBP3), and S329N (PBP5). Structural correlation suggests these mutations reduce β-lactam binding and may contribute to resistance, particularly when combined with NDM-1.
Conclusions
This study provides early evidence of sulbactam/durlobactam resistance in treatment-naïve CRAB from Italy, driven by NDM-1 co-production and PBP alterations. The coexistence of epidemic ST231 and ST837/ST369 clones highlights the need for continuous genomic surveillance and prudent antibiotic stewardship to prevent dissemination of resistant A. baumannii lineages.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents is a peer-reviewed publication offering comprehensive and current reference information on the physical, pharmacological, in vitro, and clinical properties of individual antimicrobial agents, covering antiviral, antiparasitic, antibacterial, and antifungal agents. The journal not only communicates new trends and developments through authoritative review articles but also addresses the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance, both in hospital and community settings. Published content includes solicited reviews by leading experts and high-quality original research papers in the specified fields.