Motility of Acinetobacter baumannii: regulatory systems and controlling strategies

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic zoonotic pathogenic bacterium that causes nosocomial infections ranging from minor to life-threatening. The clinical importance of this zoonotic pathogen is rapidly increasing due to the development of multiple resistance mechanisms and the synthesis of numerous virulence factors. Although no flagellum-mediated motility exists, it may move through twitching or surface-associated motility. Twitching motility is a coordinated multicellular movement caused by the extension, attachment, and retraction of type IV pili, which are involved in surface adherence and biofilm formation. Surface-associated motility is a kind of movement that does not need appendages and is most likely driven by the release of extra polymeric molecules. This kind of motility is linked to the production of 1,3-diaminopropane, lipooligosaccharide formation, natural competence, and efflux pump proteins. Since A. baumannii’s virulence qualities are directly tied to motility, it is possible that its motility may be used as a specialized preventative or therapeutic measure. The current review detailed the signaling mechanism and involvement of various proteins in controlling A. baumannii motility. As a result, we have thoroughly addressed the role of natural and synthetic compounds that impede A. baumannii motility, as well as the underlying action mechanisms. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms behind A. baumannii’s motility features will aid in the development of therapeutic drugs to control its infection.

Key points

• Acinetobacter baumannii exhibits multiple resistance mechanisms.

• A. baumannii can move owing to twitching and surface-associated motility.

• Natural and synthetic compounds can attenuate A. baumannii motility.