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A concerning new study has revealed the spread of a virulent, antibiotic-resistant superbug within a Malaysian hospital, posing a significant threat to global public health. Researchers have identified a dangerous strain of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) circulating in a tertiary hospital in Terengganu, Malaysia, demonstrating a high level of resistance to crucial antibiotics.
Published in the journal Microbial Genomics, the study analyzed data spanning a decade, from 2011 to 2020, examining 126 samples of the bacteria. The findings indicate that the majority of A. baumannii infections in the hospital belonged to Global Clone 2 (GC2), a dominant strain worldwide.
A critical discovery of the research was the high level of antibiotic resistance exhibited by the Malaysian A. baumannii samples. A significant portion of the bacteria showed resistance to multiple antibiotics, with a particularly alarming resistance to carbapenems, which are considered the primary treatment option for A. baumannii infections. Furthermore, researchers found that 97% of the bacterial samples carried plasmids, small DNA structures that facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Dr. David Cleary, a co-author from the University of Birmingham, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Our study provides further evidence that the same dangerous family of A. baumannii bacteria keeps spreading in hospitals. Despite its importance, there is very little information on A. baumannii from low- and middle-income countries.” He stressed the importance of understanding the bacteria’s evolution to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. “A. baumannii keeps evolving new resistance tricks and low- and middle-income countries need more tools to track it. There’s an urgent need for continuous surveillance and development of effective treatment protocols to combat the spread of MDR A. baumannii. The predominance of the GC2 lineage and the high incidence of carbapenem resistance pose a significant threat to public health.”
Prof. Chew Chieng Yeo, the principal investigator from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly in regions with limited data.
A. baumannii can cause severe infections in various parts of the body, including the blood, lungs, urinary tracts, and wounds, primarily in healthcare settings. Its resistance to antibiotics has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to designate it as a critical priority antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
More information: Nurul Saidah Din et al, Whole-genome sequencing of Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates from a tertiary hospital in Terengganu, Malaysia (2011–2020), revealed the predominance of the Global Clone 2 lineage, Microbial Genomics (2025). DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001345
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided research information and should not be taken as medical advice. For any health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. The information provided reflects the findings of the study and may evolve as further research is conducted.
