Molecular detection and resistance profiling of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes in Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from different clinical cases

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Biology, College of Education, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq.

2 Department of Biology, College of Education, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq

10.22103/jab.2025.25637.1741

Abstract

Molecular detection and resistance profiling of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes in Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from different clinical cases
Abstract
Objective
Aeromonas hydrophila is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that poses a serious public health concern due to its increasing resistance to numerous antibiotics, containing aminoglycosides. This investigation aimed to identify the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of A. hydrophila isolates achieved from clinical and environmental sources in Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq, with a centralize on the mechanisms underlying aminoglycoside resistance.
Materials and Methods
Out of 200 samples, 26 isolates were identified as A. hydrophila applying classical microbiological methods and the VITEK 2 Compact identification system. The isolates were tested for resistance to aminoglycosides, containing kanamycin (Kna), gentamicin (Gen), and amikacin (Ami). Notably, the isolates exhibited low to intermediate levels of resistance to neomycin, tobramycin, and streptomycin. These results indicate an alarming resistance pattern against both first- and second-line aminoglycosides.
Results
A total of five aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AME) genes were detected by PCR and were broadly distributed among the isolates. The most prevalent genes were aac(3) (80%), aph(3')-Ia (65%), and aph(6)-Id (60%). Other genes, containing aac(3)-IIa, aac(6')-Ib, aac(3)-IV, and ant(4')-IIa, were also show at varying frequencies, suggesting a complex network of genetic determinants involved in aminoglycoside resistance.
Conclusions
There was a meaningful correlation between the presence of multiple AME genes and high-level phenotypic resistance. Isolates harboring four or more resistance genes were resistant to all tested aminoglycosides except one, and even that isolate was resistant to another aminoglycoside reportedly transmitted via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). These results underscore the need for improved local antimicrobial stewardship and the establishment of molecular surveillance programs to monitor the evolution and dissemination of resistant A. hydrophila clones. The identification of multiple AME genes in clinical and environmental specimens raises concern over potential therapeutic failures and highlights the spread of resistance determinants within both aquatic and clinical ecosystems.
Keywords: aminoglycoside resistance, AME genes, antimicrobial resistance, environmental isolates, PCR

Keywords

References

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Agricultural Biotechnology Journal
Volume 17, Issue 3
August 2025
Pages 271-292

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