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Published on: June 28, 2018
Acinetobacter baumannii: human infections, factors contributing to pathogenesis and animal models
Michael J McConnell1, Luis Actis, Jerónimo Pachón
1Unit of Infectious Disease, Microbiology, and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain. mcconnell.mike75@gmail.com
Abstract:
Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a medically important pathogen because of the increasing number of infections produced by this organism over the preceding three decades and the global spread of strains with resistance to multiple antibiotic classes. In spite of its clinical relevance, until recently, there have been few studies addressing the factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this organism. The availability of complete genome sequences, molecular tools for manipulating the bacterial genome, and animal models of infection have begun to facilitate the identification of factors that play a role in A. baumannii persistence and infection. This review summarizes the characteristics of A. baumannii that contribute to its pathogenesis, with a focus on motility, adherence, biofilm formation, and iron acquisition. In addition, the virulence factors that have been identified to date, which include the outer membrane protein OmpA, phospholipases, membrane polysaccharide components, penicillin-binding proteins, and outer membrane vesicles, are discussed. Animal models systems that have been developed during the last 15 years for the study of A. baumannii infection are overviewed, and the recent use of these models to identify factors involved in virulence and pathogenesis is highlighted.
Insights
Acinetobacter baumannii is a growing threat due to antibiotic resistance. This review explores its virulence factors, including motility and biofilm formation, aiding in understanding and combating infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant nosocomial pathogen, increasingly associated with multidrug-resistant infections.
- Despite its clinical importance, research into A. baumannii pathogenesis factors has lagged until recently.
- Advancements in genomics and molecular tools are now enabling detailed investigation of virulence mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key characteristics contributing to Acinetobacter baumannii pathogenesis.
- To highlight identified virulence factors and their roles in infection.
- To discuss the utility of animal models in studying A. baumannii virulence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Acinetobacter baumannii virulence factors.
- Analysis of studies employing genomic, molecular, and animal model approaches.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on adherence, motility, biofilm formation, and iron acquisition.
Main Results:
- Key pathogenic factors include motility, adherence, biofilm formation, and iron acquisition mechanisms.
- Identified virulence factors comprise outer membrane protein OmpA, phospholipases, membrane polysaccharides, penicillin-binding proteins, and outer membrane vesicles.
- Animal models have proven instrumental in identifying factors crucial for A. baumannii persistence and infection.
Conclusions:
- Understanding A. baumannii virulence factors is critical for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
- Continued research utilizing advanced models and molecular tools will further elucidate pathogenesis.
- Combating multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii requires a comprehensive approach targeting its virulence mechanisms.
