What's Happening?
A recent study has identified a strain of Acinetobacter beijerinkii, named MPE71, isolated from the marine plastisphere, which exhibits high-level resistance to multiple antibiotics, including polymyxin
B. This strain was found to have a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 200 µg/mL against polymyxin B, marking the first report of such resistance in marine Acinetobacter. The study revealed that the resistance is due to enhanced membrane biosynthesis, multidrug efflux pumps, and periplasmic protein factors, with relevant genes up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner. The research highlights the ecological risk posed by antibiotic resistance in marine environments.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter in marine environments underscores a significant public health concern, as these bacteria are closely related to human pathogenic strains. The presence of such resistant strains in the marine plastisphere suggests that antibiotic resistance is not confined to terrestrial environments and could spread through marine ecosystems. This finding is crucial for understanding the potential pathways of antibiotic resistance transmission and the need for monitoring and managing antibiotic use in marine and terrestrial settings to prevent further spread.
What's Next?
Further research is needed to explore the extent of antibiotic resistance in marine environments and its potential impact on human health. Scientists may focus on identifying other resistant strains and understanding the mechanisms behind their resistance. Additionally, there may be increased efforts to develop strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance in marine ecosystems, possibly involving stricter regulations on antibiotic use and improved waste management practices to reduce contamination.
