Identification of Novel Vaccine Candidates against Multidrug-Resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>

<div><p><i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> is an emerging opportunistic bacterium associated with nosocomial infections in intensive care units. The alarming increase in infections caused by <i>A. baumannii</i> is strongly associated with enhanced resistance to antibiotics, in particular carbapenems. This, together with the lack of a licensed vaccine, has translated into significant economic, logistic and health impacts to health care facilities. In this study, we combined reverse vaccinology and proteomics to identify surface-exposed and secreted antigens from <i>A. baumannii</i>. Using <i>in silico</i> prediction tools and comparative genome analysis in combination with <i>in vitro</i> proteomic approaches, we identified 42 antigens that could be used as potential vaccine targets. Considering the paucity of effective antibiotics available to treat multidrug-resistant <i>A. baumannii</i> infections, these vaccine targets may serve as a framework for the development of a broadly protective multi-component vaccine, an outcome that would have a major impact on the burden of <i>A. baumannii</i> infections in intensive care units across the globe.</p>