K+ and its role in virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic human pathogen that has become a global threat to healthcare institutions worldwide. The success of A. based on the rise multiple antibiotic resistances and its outstanding potential persist in host under conditions low water activity hospital environments. Combating activities involves osmoprotective measures such as uptake compatible solutes K+. To address role K+ physiology we have identified transporter encoding genes genome ATCC 19606. corresponding (kup, trk, kdp) were deleted phenotype mutants was studied. triple mutant defective which resulted pronounced growth defect at high osmolarities (300 mM NaCl). Additionally, mannitol glutamate synthesis strongly reduced mutant. mimic study uropathogen, performed studies with deletion urine. Both, double (?kup?trk) significantly impaired growth. This could be explained by inability ?kup?trk?kdp metabolize various amino acids properly. Moreover, reactive oxygen species resistance comparison wild type, making it susceptible one essential part innate immune response. Finally, Galleria mellonella killing giving first insights importance virulence.