New Insights on Polymyxin Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii

The emergence of multidrug-resistant ‘superbugs’, such as Acinetobacter baumannii, has posed a significant global health threat. Polymyxins are our last-line therapeutic options against these multidrug-resistant pathogens. However, resistance to these antibiotics is increasing worldwide. In A. baumannii, resistance to polymyxins is primarily due to modifications to lipid A in the outer membrane. Moreover, A. baumannii can develop polymyxin-dependent resistance due to lipopolysaccharide loss and significant outer membrane remodelling. This thesis aims to provide new mechanistic insights into polymyxin resistance and our findings will contribute to optimising the clinical use of this critical class of last-line antibiotics against multidrug-resistant ‘superbugs’.