Comparative infectivity, virulence and molecular epidemiology of MDR and XDR Acinetobacter baumannii isolates emerging from war-related injuries in Ukraine

Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii remains a global concern with its ability to adhere, disperse and sustain in areas involving suboptimal infection control measures, particularly in war areas. In this study we aimed to evaluate the susceptibility profiles, molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of A. baumannii isolates from conflict zones in Ukraine. A. baumannii wound isolates (n=46) were tested to comparatively assess antimicrobial resistance, molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis and infectivity. Briefly, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole genome sequencing, biofilm and capsule formation, as well as serum survival and bacterial viability in G. mellonella and a mouse infection model were performed. Dominating sequence types were ST2, ST19, ST78 and ST400 while 65.21% of isolates were from international clones. All isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), and 7 isolates were extensively drug resistant (XDR). ST19 isolates had higher encapsulation, lower serum survival and missing T6SS, omp33-36 and biofilm production associated genes. However, bacteria expressed higher virulence and lethality during early infection compared to later stages in vivo. We report the first results characterizing the pathogenesis and infectivity of the emerging A. baumannii ST19. High MDR and XDR rates alongside clonally related isolates are concerning and highlight the importance of infection prevention and control measures in conflict zones.