Analysis of Biofilm Forming Ability and Antibiofilm Activity of Gold Nanoparticles of Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolates From Blood and Urinary Sources

Abstract

A. baumannii has evolved into one the most successful pathogens that exist today. While it was being researched in the 20th century as well, it was thrown into the spotlight during the military excursions of the USA military into the Middle East, where injured soldiers were reported to have their wounds infected by the bacteria. It can cause a host of diseases, majorly in hospital-settings where it spreads rapidly, leading to severe outbreaks of ventilator-associated pneumonia, bloodstream infection, wound infection, urinary tract infection, skin infection, and even meningitis [1]. However, its greatest threat stems from the multi drug resistance that this pathogen has acquired, since the 1970s, when it was more sensitive to antibiotics [2], leading it to be named as the number one threat, amongst hospital-related pathogens, by the World Health Organisation (WHO) [3]. Its virulence factors, pathogenesis, growth characteristics upon biotic and abiotic surfaces, as well as biofilm formation have recently been researched in great detail, giving us greater insights into the functioning of this organism. However, further research and effort needs to be put into developing methods of eradicating this bacteria from within patients and hospitals, and quickly, considering its rapid spread worldwide and high incidences of morbidity and mortality.