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Genomic analysis of Acinetobacter baumannii DUEMBL6 reveals diesel bioremediation potential and biosafety concerns

Summary

Researchers isolated bacteria from diesel-contaminated soils in Bangladesh that can break down diesel fuel efficiently. The best strain, Acinetobacter baumannii DUEMBL6, degraded about 41% of diesel in laboratory tests through multiple enzymatic pathways. However, this bacteria also carries genes for antibiotic resistance and virulence factors, making it both a promising environmental solution and a potential health risk that requires careful monitoring before field application.

Background

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination poses significant environmental threats globally, with diesel being a major pollutant in soil and water. Bangladesh faces increasing diesel consumption and vulnerability to oil spills, necessitating effective bioremediation approaches. Indigenous soil microorganisms from contaminated sites may offer promising bioremediation solutions while requiring careful biosafety evaluation.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate and characterize diesel-degrading bacteria from hydrocarbon-polluted soils in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and to genomically profile the most promising isolate for both metabolic degradation potential and biosafety risks. The research evaluated diesel degradation efficiency and identified genes responsible for hydrocarbon biodegradation.

Results

Acinetobacter baumannii was the dominant species (41.2% of isolates), with 32.35% harboring alkB and 58.82% carrying catE genes. MB 751 demonstrated 41.18% diesel degradation efficiency with superior oxidative capability. Genomic analysis revealed multiple hydrocarbon degradation genes, seven biosynthetic gene clusters, and complete xenobiotic degradation pathways, but also identified 26 antibiotic resistance genes and 33 virulence factors.

Conclusion

A. baumannii DUEMBL6 demonstrates significant bioremediation potential for diesel-contaminated environments with robust degradation pathways. However, the presence of extensive antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors raises biosafety concerns, necessitating careful strain selection and risk assessment before environmental application. The dual nature of this isolate highlights the need for balancing bioremediation benefits against public health risks.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41557622, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0339456
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