Acinetobacter baumannii: Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence Factors and Therapeutic Challenges

Acinetobacter baumannii is a rising public health concern worldwide due to its broad drug-resistant phenotypes and clonal spread. Developing efficient methods to reduce the effects of antimicrobial resistance requires an understanding of the dynamics of A. baumannii populations. Clonal lineages, which are genetically linked groups of bacteria, are crucial for determining the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Outer membrane vesicles, iron acquisition systems, and biofilm-associated proteins of A. baumannii are important virulence factors that work together to increase its pathogenicity. Intolerance to multiple drugs and the capacity to produce biofilms make A. baumannii a serious treatment problem. A. baumannii has been found in an increasing number of environmental niches, such as soil, rivers, and treatment facilities. Additionally, it has been found in a variety of dietary items, including vegetables and meat, as well as in domestic pets like cats, dogs and agricultural animals. As humans, animals, and the environment are all interrelated in the spread of antimicrobial resistance, this review discusses the groundwork for creating focused treatment approaches to combat multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infections. The purpose of this study is to present a thorough and current global scenario of A. baumannii to investigate virulence mechanisms, therapeutic challenges and molecular pathogenesis. In addition to discussing the current advancements in the epidemiology of A. baumannii and accessible antimicrobial treatments, this study provides an overview of the ubiquitous nature of A. baumannii in the form of the most commonly reported sequence types globally.