Genomics and Virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter colistiniresistens Isolated from Community and Hospital in Segamat, Malaysia: An Epidemiological Study

This thesis highlights the possible transmission threat to public health posed by virulent A. baumannii and A. colistiniresistens present in the gut of asymptomatic individuals in the community. My study revealed that community and hospital isolated A. baumannii could be equally virulent, judged by in vitro and in vivo model systems. The presence of highly virulent A. baumannii in community reservoirs poses a significant public health risk and requires additional investigation. Additionally, this thesis provides genomic insights into A. colistiniresistens, a potentially pathogenic bacterium isolated from a community member and notes the public health threat it may pose.