INSIGHTS INTO THE VIRULENCE FACTORS OF ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII AND THEIR ROLES IN PERSISTENCE AND INFECTIOUS PROCESS

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, which is responsible for a significant and ever-increasing number of health care associated severe infections (such as pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, wound and urinary tract infections), mainly in severely ill patients. With only a limited number of “traditional” virulence factors, the mechanisms underlying the success of this opportunistic and nosocomial pathogen remain of great interest. With the advent of whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, some virulence features, including motility, iron-acquisition systems, biofilm development, capsule production, porins, and enzymes, among others have been described. The main purpose of this minireview was to present an update on the main virulence markers of A. baumannii strains and their role in the persistence, infection process and modulation of host immune response.