Indole derivatives display antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against extensively drug-resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>

Extensively drug-resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> (XDRAB) isolates pose a major public health threat to antimicrobial therapy and are highly prevalent in hospital settings. This study identified and characterized indole derivative agents for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against XDRAB. Sub-inhibitory indole agents such as 7-hydroxyindole can both inhibit XDRAB biofilm formation and eradicate the mature biofilm. Indole agents warrant further investigation against hard-to-treat antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.