Genotypic and Phenotypic Insights into Biofilm-Associated Genes in Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Hospitalized Patients in Duhok, Iraq

  • Ali Hassan Haji Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Duhok - College of Health Sciences, Duhok Governorate, Iraq
  • Azad Mohammed Taher Al-Brefkani Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology-Shekhan, Duhok Polytechnic University, 1006 Mazi Qr, Duhok, Kurdistan-Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7862-5962

Abstract

Introduction:  Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for various nosocomial infections, and it is also capable of forming biofilms. It commonly develops multi-drug resistance (MDR). Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of biofilm formation in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates that were taken from various clinical specimens and to identify genetic markers associated with biofilm development. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between the isolate’s genetic makeup and phenotypic characteristics.  Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 514 consecutive clinical samples (urine, sputum, blood, CSF, wound swab, throat swab) were collected. Bacterial identification was achieved through colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. The VITEK 2 system confirmed the isolates, and molecular confirmation was accomplished by amplifying the housekeeping gene 16srRNA. The isolates were stored at -80°C for further analysis. The phenotypic micro-titer plate test and the PCR-based identification of biofilm-forming genes identification were performed on isolated A. baumannii. Results: Among 514 clinical samples, Acinetobacter baumannii was isolated in (n = 57, 11.1%), most commonly from sputum (n = 17, 29.8%) and urine (n = 16, 28.1%). Strong biofilm formation was observed in (n = 36, 63.2%) of isolates, predominantly associated with extensively drug-resistant (XDR) profiles. Biofilm-related genes were highly prevalent: csuE (n = 55, 96.5%), bap (n = 54, 94.7%), bfmS (n = 50, 87.7%), and ompA (n = 49, 86.0%), whereas blaPER-1 was detected in a smaller fraction (n = 11, 19.3%). Resistance was widespread across β-lactams, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones, while colistin remained the most effective antibiotic (n = 45, 78.9%). No pan-drug-resistant (PDR) isolates were identified, highlighting the persistent threat of biofilm-associated multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in clinical settings. Conclusion: Pneumonia is the primary infection caused by A. baumannii. It demonstrates significant biofilm formation accompanied by β-lactam/carbapenem drug resistance while remaining sensitive to colistin. CsuE and Bap have a strong relationship with biofilm formation.

Keywords: Acinetobacter Baumannii, Antibiotic Resistance, Biofilms, Biofilm-Related Gene

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References

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Haji, A. and Al-Brefkani, A. (2026) “Genotypic and Phenotypic Insights into Biofilm-Associated Genes in Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Hospitalized Patients in Duhok, Iraq”, International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences Research, 9(2), pp. 195-206. doi: https://doi.org/10.31632/ijalsr.2026.v09i02.015.