Genomic surveillance of carbapenem-resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> from bloodstream infections in Thailand reveals widespread dissemination of <i>bla</i>_NDM, harboring mobile genetic elements

by Aekkawat Unahalekhaka, Kulsumpun Krobanan, Watcharaporn Kamjumphol, Phimrata Leethongdee, Yanisa Sukheephak, Patchaya Boonjan, Kasidet Thapaan, Wiphat Klayut, Orapan Sripichai, Nalumon Thadtapong, Chattip Kurehong, Kranokpron Moolwang, Donlaya Muanplueng, Warawan Wongboot, Pilailuk Akkapaiboon Okada, Jiraphan Premsuriya

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a major cause of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in Thailand, with limited treatment options and a strong association with high morbidity and mortality. We performed nationwide genomic surveillance of 41 CRAB isolates from bloodstream infections collected across Thailand between 2020 and 2024 to characterize the population structure, antimicrobial resistance determinants, and the genomic context of blaNDM-harboring mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Whole-genome sequencing and core genome SNP-based phylogenetic analysis of the Thai samples revealed the dominance of international clone II (Pasteur ST2), which was widely distributed across geographic regions. Carbapenem resistance was primarily mediated by blaOXA-23, together with intrinsic blaOXA-66 and resistance-associated mutations in a penicillin-binding protein gene. In addition to OXA-type carbapenemase genes, blaNDM-5 and blaNDM-1 were detected in a subset of isolates. In particular, blaNDM-5 was located within a highly conserved MGE associated with a class 1 integron, IS91 family transposase and ISAba125 and was detected across multiple ST2 sublineages. This MGE was distributed across multiple geographic regions and phylogenetic lineages in Thailand, with evidence suggesting widespread horizontal dissemination followed by local clonal expansion. By contrast, blaNDM-1 was detected less frequently but was consistently associated with a canonical Tn125 transposon in both ST2 and ST16 isolates, highlighting its continued epidemiological relevance. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CRAB bloodstream infections in Thailand are driven by a combination of endemic high-risk lineages and the sustained circulation of blaNDM-harboring MGEs. Overall, our results confirm the importance of continued genomic surveillance for monitoring the emergence and dissemination of blaNDM-producing CRAB and for strengthening infection prevention and antimicrobial resistance control efforts in hospital settings.