Genomic analysis of virulence factors of nosocomial MDR <i>A. baumannii</i> from a tertiary care hospital

<i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> is a significant cause of mortality in nosocomial infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The evolution of <i>A. baumannii</i> from an avirulent organism to a multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial pathogen is very interesting. The acquisition of multiple drug-resistant genes is also accompanied by the acquisition of many virulence genes. Information regarding genomic studies of different virulence factors in such MDR strains, prevalent in this geographical region, were not performed in the past. The strains of <i>A. baumannii</i> may vary depending on the geographical location and use of antibiotics in those hospital setups. Control of <i>A. baumannii</i> nosocomial infections requires taking strict hospital infection control measures. We trust that this would suggest some new insights into the control of <i>A. baumannii</i> in our intensive care units to reduce the burden of such a dreadful nosocomial pathogen.