Attenuation of biofilm-encoding genes and virulence attributes in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii by essential oil derived from Myroxylon balsamum

Biofilm-associated infections due to recalcitrant bacterial pathogens pose a major challenge to global public health. Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) a multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogen, relies on biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS) for sustained virulence and survival in the host. Here, we evaluated the anti-biofilm and anti-virulence potential of Myroxylon balsamum essential oil (M. balsamum EO) against A. baumannii (MCC-AB-07). M. balsamum EO disrupted biofilm formation, inhibited swarming motility, and increased bacterial susceptibility to oxidative stress. Our RT-qPCR investigations confirmed downregulation of key biofilm and QS genes. Additionally, M. balsamum EO resulted in improved survival of Caenorhabditis elegans following infection. Our findings indicate promising anti-biofilm and anti-virulence properties of M. balsamum EO, warranting elaborate investigations to explore its therapeutic applications and possible synergistic and complementary effects in conjunction with antibiotics.