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Lucidi M, Visaggio D, Migliaccio A, Capecchi G, Visca P, Imperi F, Zarrilli R. Pathogenicity and virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii: Factors contributing to the fitness in healthcare settings and the infected host. Virulence 2024; 15:2289769. [PMID: 38054753 PMCID: PMC10732645 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2289769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections and hospital outbreaks, particularly in intensive care units. Much of the success of A. baumannii relies on its genomic plasticity, which allows rapid adaptation to adversity and stress. The capacity to acquire novel antibiotic resistance determinants and the tolerance to stresses encountered in the hospital environment promote A. baumannii spread among patients and long-term contamination of the healthcare setting. This review explores virulence factors and physiological traits contributing to A. baumannii infection and adaptation to the hospital environment. Several cell-associated and secreted virulence factors involved in A. baumannii biofilm formation, cell adhesion, invasion, and persistence in the host, as well as resistance to xeric stress imposed by the healthcare settings, are illustrated to give reasons for the success of A. baumannii as a hospital pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Lucidi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Visaggio
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Imperi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Zarrilli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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de Souza CM, Silvério de Oliveira W, Fleitas Martínez O, Dos Santos Neto NA, Buccini DF, Nieto Marín V, de Faria Júnior C, Rocha Maximiano M, Soller Ramada MH, Franco OL. Evaluating virulence features of Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to polymyxin B. Lett Appl Microbiol 2024; 77:ovae061. [PMID: 38942450 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovae061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The increasing resistance to polymyxins in Acinetobacter baumannii has made it even more urgent to develop new treatments. Anti-virulence compounds have been researched as a new solution. Here, we evaluated the modification of virulence features of A. baumannii after acquiring resistance to polymyxin B. The results showed lineages attaining unstable resistance to polymyxin B, except for Ab7 (A. baumannii polymyxin B resistant lineage), which showed stable resistance without an associated fitness cost. Analysis of virulence by a murine sepsis model indicated diminished virulence in Ab7 (A. baumannii polymyxin B resistant lineage) compared with Ab0 (A. baumannii polymyxin B susceptible lineage). Similarly, downregulation of virulence genes was observed by qPCR at 1 and 3 h of growth. However, an increase in bauE, abaI, and pgAB expression was observed after 6 h of growth. Comparison analysis of Ab0, Ab7, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa suggested no biofilm formation by Ab7. In general, although a decrease in virulence was observed in Ab7 when compared with Ab0, some virulence feature that enables infection could be maintained. In light of this, virulence genes bauE, abaI, and pgAB showed a potential relevance in the maintenance of virulence in polymyxin B-resistant strains, making them promising anti-virulence targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Maurmann de Souza
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790-160, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande CEP 79.117-900, Brazil
| | - Warley Silvério de Oliveira
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Osmel Fleitas Martínez
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790-160, Brazil
| | | | - Danieli Fernanda Buccini
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande CEP 79.117-900, Brazil
| | - Valentina Nieto Marín
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande CEP 79.117-900, Brazil
| | - Célio de Faria Júnior
- Microbiology Department, Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública LACEN, Brasília 70830-010, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rocha Maximiano
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790-160, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande CEP 79.117-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Henrique Soller Ramada
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790-160, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790-160, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande CEP 79.117-900, Brazil
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Marino A, Augello E, Stracquadanio S, Bellanca CM, Cosentino F, Spampinato S, Cantarella G, Bernardini R, Stefani S, Cacopardo B, Nunnari G. Unveiling the Secrets of Acinetobacter baumannii: Resistance, Current Treatments, and Future Innovations. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6814. [PMID: 38999924 PMCID: PMC11241693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii represents a significant concern in nosocomial settings, particularly in critically ill patients who are forced to remain in hospital for extended periods. The challenge of managing and preventing this organism is further compounded by its increasing ability to develop resistance due to its extraordinary genomic plasticity, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions. Its recognition as a significant public health risk has provided a significant impetus for the identification of new therapeutic approaches and infection control strategies. Indeed, currently used antimicrobial agents are gradually losing their efficacy, neutralized by newer and newer mechanisms of bacterial resistance, especially to carbapenem antibiotics. A deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is urgently needed to shed light on the properties that allow A. baumannii enormous resilience against standard therapies. Among the most promising alternatives under investigation are the combination sulbactam/durlobactam, cefepime/zidebactam, imipenem/funobactam, xeruborbactam, and the newest molecules such as novel polymyxins or zosurabalpin. Furthermore, the potential of phage therapy, as well as deep learning and artificial intelligence, offer a complementary approach that could be particularly useful in cases where traditional strategies fail. The fight against A. baumannii is not confined to the microcosm of microbiological research or hospital wards; instead, it is a broader public health dilemma that demands a coordinated, global response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marino
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Stracquadanio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Cosentino
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Spampinato
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Bruno Cacopardo
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nunnari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
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Mendes SG, Combo SI, Allain T, Domingues S, Buret AG, Da Silva GJ. Co-regulation of biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:1405-1423. [PMID: 37897520 PMCID: PMC10651561 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04677-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged globally as a major threat to the healthcare system. It is now listed by the World Health Organization as a priority one for the need of new therapeutic agents. A. baumannii has the capacity to develop robust biofilms on biotic and abiotic surfaces. Biofilm development allows these bacteria to resist various environmental stressors, including antibiotics and lack of nutrients or water, which in turn allows the persistence of A. baumannii in the hospital environment and further outbreaks. Investigation into therapeutic alternatives that will act on both biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is sorely needed. The aim of the present review is to critically discuss the various mechanisms by which AMR and biofilm formation may be co-regulated in A. baumannii in an attempt to shed light on paths towards novel therapeutic opportunities. After discussing the clinical importance of A. baumannii, this critical review highlights biofilm-formation genes that may be associated with the co-regulation of AMR. Particularly worthy of consideration are genes regulating the quorum sensing system AbaI/AbaR, AbOmpA (OmpA protein), Bap (biofilm-associated protein), the two-component regulatory system BfmRS, the PER-1 β-lactamase, EpsA, and PTK. Finally, this review discusses ongoing experimental therapeutic strategies to fight A. baumannii infections, namely vaccine development, quorum sensing interference, nanoparticles, metal ions, natural products, antimicrobial peptides, and phage therapy. A better understanding of the mechanisms that co-regulate biofilm formation and AMR will help identify new therapeutic targets, as combined approaches may confer synergistic benefits for effective and safer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio G Mendes
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sofia I Combo
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Thibault Allain
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sara Domingues
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andre G Buret
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gabriela J Da Silva
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W, Calgary, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Ng HK, Puah SM, Teh CSJ, Idris N, Chua KH. Comparative Transcriptomic Profiling of Pellicle and Planktonic Cells from Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1185. [PMID: 37508281 PMCID: PMC10375965 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12071185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii forms air-liquid interface pellicles that boost its ability to withstand desiccation and increase survival under antibiotic pressure. This study aims to delve into the transcriptomic profiles of pellicle cells from clinical strains of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB). The total RNA was extracted from pellicle cells from three pellicle-forming CRAB strains and planktonic cells from three non-pellicle-forming CRAB strains, subject to RNA sequencing using Illumina HiSeq 2500 system. A transcriptomic analysis between pellicle and planktonic cells, along with differential expression genes (DEGs) analysis and enrichment analysis of annotated COGs, GOs, and KEGGs, was performed. Our analysis identified 366 DEGs in pellicle cells: 162 upregulated genes and 204 downregulated genes. The upregulated ABUW_1624 (yiaY) gene and downregulated ABUW_1550 gene indicated potential involvement in fatty acid degradation during pellicle formation. Another upregulated ABUW_2820 (metQ) gene, encoding the D-methionine transporter system, hinted at its contribution to pellicle formation. The upregulation of two-component systems, CusSR and KdpDE, which implies the regulation of copper and potassium ions in a CRAB pellicle formation was also observed. These findings provide valuable insights into the regulation of gene expression during the formation of pellicles in CRAB, and these are potential targets that may aid in the eradication of CRAB infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Kang Ng
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Suat Moi Puah
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Cindy Shuan Ju Teh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Nuryana Idris
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kek Heng Chua
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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