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.