Acinetobacter baumannii: An Overview of Virulence Factors, Resistance Mechanisms and Treatment Options of the Emerging Pathogen

Document Type : Review article

Authors

1 Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo, Egypt

2 Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

In the current healthcare system, Acinetobacter baumannii is unquestionably one of the most aggressive bacteria causing nosocomial infections including pneumonia, bacteremia and wound infections. The frequent occurrence of Acinetobacter baumannii infections and outbreaks highlights the urgent requirement for using efficient antimicrobial agents to treat such cases due to the availability of few effective ones. This prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to consider Acinetobacter baumannii as an urgent threat. Recent research on the virulence factors and resistance mechanisms of Acinetobacter baumannii is necessary to comprehend and combat this threat. Herein, we overviewed different virulence factors and resistance mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Acinetobacter baumannii. Virulence factors include outer membrane protein A (porins), biofilm formation, metal acquisition systems and lipopolysaccharide whereas antimicrobials resistance mechanisms involve β-lactamases, aminoglycosides-modifying enzymes, efflux systems, reduced membrane permeability and alteration of the target site of the antibiotics. Finally, a summary of potential and innovative therapies for infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii was discussed.

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