Unraveling Acinetobacter's Journey to Antibiotic Resistance: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major healthcare-associated pathogen due to its high level of antibiotic resistance, posing a worldwide health concern. The bacterium employs various mechanisms to acquire and disseminate resistance, including mobile genetic elements like insertion sequences, transposons, and plasmids. The resistance mechanisms employed by A. baumannii include antibiotic modification, reduced membrane permeability, active efflux pumps, and alterations in antibiotic targets. The production of β-lactamases, particularly Acinetobacter-derived cephalosporinases, contributes to resistance against carbapenems and cephalosporins.  The worldwide spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria has increased drastically due to the limited alternatives to therapy available leading to the increased rates of death and morbidity. To address this challenge, researchers are exploring combination therapies and novel antimicrobial adjuvants to enhance drug efficacy.