Researchers from Monash University have concluded that A. baumannii must engage in bacterial warfare to survive in the presence of other species. It has been found to use a tiny needle-like system that injects toxins into nearby "competitors," destroying them and establishing a dominant presence.
In addition to the general mechanism, the scientists determined the molecular structure of the key toxin, Tse15, which attaches to the needle. Remarkably, thanks to its protective layer, Tse15 does not harm A. baumannii, but once released from its "cage," it is ready to attack other bacteria.
"This discovery will be a significant step in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria," said co-author John Boyce. The scientists plan to create specialized protein toxins that, like Tse15, will be delivered to bacteria to destroy them. At the same time, they will be able to neutralize A. baumannii by blocking its spread mechanism.
Previously, a US team presented another technology for combating drug-resistant bacteria. The scientists created silver micromotors that effectively disrupt bacterial membranes and kill them.
