4. Conclusion
Persister formation in A. baumannii is highly dependant on
bacterial strain and culture conditions. This physiological complexity
potentially involves various molecular determinants, currently under
investigation. Among them, toxin-antitoxin systems could modulate the
formation of these persistent cells (Abka…). Other systems involved in
persister cell formation for other bacteria are still poorly explored inA. baumannii : second messengers, the SOS response and PAA.
Membrane modifications appear to be an important factor in the
physiology of A. baumannii . Further research into the physiology
of this particular bacterial population is required. This could lead to
the identification of specific biomarkers and, consequently, to new
therapeutic targets.
Current approaches to eradicating persisters focus on different
strategies: the use of molecules that inhibit persister formation, such
as naturally-occurring compounds like Art-175, phages and squalamine, or
the combination of antibiotics, one of which acts mechanistically on the
bacterial membrane.
Many questions relating to this physiology remain unanswered,
particularly with regard to its fundamental understanding and the
identification of effective therapeutic targets. The development of
strategies targeting persister cells could make a significant
contribution to limiting the development of new bacterial resistances.