Escalating threat of <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>: Resistance mechanisms and mitigation strategies a perspective

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a notorious multidrug-resistant pathogen, particularly prevalent in healthcare-associated infections. Its ability to cause outbreaks in intensive care units and other critical care settings is attributed to various virulence factors, including biofilm formation, adhesion properties, and the production of virulence-associated proteins. This review aims to indicate the current understanding of the resistance mechanisms employed by A. baumannii , highlighting its enzymatic capabilities, particularly the production of Ambler class A, B, and D beta-lactamases, which confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii is alarming, particularly in lowand middle-income countries, where the lack of adequate surveillance and infection control measures exacerbates the situation. The organism’s intrinsic resistance mechanisms, such as reduced outer membrane permeability due to the loss of porins and overexpression of efflux pumps from families like Resistance-Nodulation-Division, significantly contribute to its resilience against various antibiotic classes. Genetic factors, including plasmids and horizontal gene transfer, facilitate the rapid dissemination of resistant traits within bacterial populations that are discussed. The implications of these factors extend to therapeutic challenges, as traditional antibiotic treatments become less effective, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates among infected patients. Due to the significant threat, A. baumannii has been classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization, necessitating urgent research and development initiatives to tackle it. In this communication, we emphasize on resistance mechanisms of A. baumannii and budding approaches toward its mitigation.