Biofilm Formation in Acinetobacter baumannii: Role in Persistence and Hospital Infections

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic Gram‑negative pathogen and one of the most important causes of hospital‑acquired infections, particularly in intensive care units. Its remarkable ability to survive in harsh environments and resist multiple antibiotics has become a serious global health concern. A major factor contributing to the persistence of this pathogen in healthcare settings is its capacity to form biofilms on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, including medical devices and hospital equipment. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of biofilm formation in the persistence, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenicity of Acinetobacter baumannii in hospital environments. Evidence from previous studies demonstrates that biofilm formation enhances bacterial survival by protecting cells from desiccation, disinfectants, and host immune responses. Biofilm‑associated cells also exhibit significantly increased tolerance to antimicrobial agents compared with planktonic cells. Several virulence determinants, including the csu pili assembly system, outer membrane protein A (OmpA), and biofilm‑associated protein (Bap), play key roles in surface attachment and biofilm maturation. These findings highlight that biofilm formation is a crucial virulence mechanism that facilitates long‑term persistence and multidrug resistance of A. baumannii in clinical settings. Understanding these mechanisms may contribute to the development of more effective infection control strategies and novel therapeutic approaches.

کلیدواژه ها:

Acinetobacter baumannii ، Biofilm formation ، Hospital‑acquired infections ، Antibiotic resistance ، Virulence factors