Acinetobacter baumannii as an oro-dental pathogen: a red alert!!

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oral Pathology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acinetobacter baumannii is recognized as a significant systemic pathogen.
• Emerging evidence suggests its association with oro-dental diseases, indicating a potential shift to an oral pathogen.
• The pathogen's ability to enter the oral cavity stealthily contributes to its 'code blue' categorization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existence and association of Acinetobacter baumannii with oro-dental diseases.
• To explore the reasons behind its categorization as a 'code blue' pathogen in the context of oral infections.
• To examine its role in oral cancers and biofilm formation.

Main Methods:

• Literature search across various databases for studies on A. baumannii in dental diseases and tray setups.
• Analysis of articles focusing on biofilm formation, iron acquisition, antimicrobial resistance, and oral cancer links.
• Review of data on the prevalence of A. baumannii in oral microbiomes and healthcare environments.

Main Results:

• Acinetobacter baumannii is linked to oro-dental diseases, with virulence factors contributing to oral infections.
• Its presence is common in oral microbiomes, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and hospitalized patients.
• Drug-resistant strains are prevalent, and an association with oral cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma, is evident.

Conclusions:

• There is a growing emergence of Acinetobacter baumannii in dental clinics.
• Increased awareness and educational programs are crucial for monitoring and controlling outbreaks.
• Implementing robust infection control measures in dental healthcare settings is necessary to manage this virulent and resistant pathogen.