Abstract
This study was conducted to isolate and identify Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) from various types of meat and dairy products; in addition, it studied the distribution of selected virulence-associated genes that are linked to the ability of bacteria to be pathogenic and resistant to antibiotics. A total of 120 samples were taken from meat of sheep, calves, and cow milk products. These samples were cultured onto selective media then confirmed as A. baumannii at the species level via the use of the blaOXA-51 gene which is specific for the species. Of the samples tested, 48/120 samples were identified as being positive for A. baumannii. In terms of prevalence rates there was no statistical difference observed when comparing samples taken from sheep (42.5%), calf (40.0%), and milk products (37.5%). Virulence associated determinants were also assessed via molecular methods. Of particular note was the detection of ompA in approximately 81.2% percent of samples tested. Additionally, the T6SS gene was found to have been present in roughly 47.9% of samples tested. Collectively these data indicate that animals that provide food products (e.g., cows) could represent an important source of potentially virulent strains of A. baumannii and further demonstrate how the food supply can function as a vehicle for transmission of this opportunistic pathogen. Additionally, the nearly universal detection of ompA indicates a high prevalence of pathogenic potential amongst the isolated strains. Conversely, the variability in detection of T6SS indicates that virulence mechanisms in A. baumannii could be based upon multiple mechanisms dependent upon the individual strain. Collectively, the above findings emphasize the need for continued molecular surveillance of A. baumannii within food products produced from animals to ensure adequate food safety and protect public health.