The UDP-GalNAcA biosynthesis genes gna-gne2 are required to maintain cell envelope integrity and in vivo fitness in multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

ABSTRACT: Acinetobacter baumannii infects a wide range of anatomic sites including the respiratory tract and bloodstream. Despite its clinical importance, little is known about the molecular basis of A. baumannii pathogenesis. We previously identified the UDP-N-acetyl-d-galactosaminuronic acid (UDP-GalNAcA) biosynthesis genes, gna-gne2, as being critical for survival in vivo. Herein, we demonstrate that Gna-Gne2 are part of a complex network connecting in vivo fitness, cell envelope homeostasis and resistance to antibiotics. The ∆gna-gne2 mutant exhibits a severe fitness defect during bloodstream infection. Capsule production is abolished in the mutant strain, which is concomitant with its inability to survive in human serum. In addition, the ∆gna-gne2 mutant was more susceptible to vancomycin and u

SUBMITTER: Crepin S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7007346 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature