Pan-Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A Review of Current and Investigational Treatment Options

Abstract

The rise of pan-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (PDR-AB) is a growing global health concern, especially in hospital settings. This review provides an overview of current and emerging treatment strategies for managing infections caused by PDR-AB. Several antibiotic combinations such as colistin with rifampicin, fosfomycin with tigecycline or meropenem, and cefepime with Ampicillin/sulbactam, have shown promising results in laboratory and clinical studies. These combinations work by targeting different resistance mechanisms and helping restore the effectiveness of older drugs.

New and experimental approaches, including photodynamic therapy, nanocomposite systems, natural plant-based compounds (e.g., baicalein), and bacteriophage therapy, offer additional treatment options. Furthermore, novel agents like peptide nucleic acids, DHODH inhibitors, and the macrocyclic antibiotic zosurabalpin are under investigation and may play an important role in future therapies. Together, these multi-targeted strategies represent a hopeful path forward for overcoming resistance and improving outcomes for patients with life-threatening PDR-AB infections.