Scientists Target Acinetobacter's Resistance Evolution

Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation researchers uncover new insights into how the deadly bacteria is developing drug resistance.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Acinetobacter baumannii is a dangerous bacteria that has rapidly developed resistance to even last-line carbapenem drugs. A team of scientists at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation have conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis to understand how the bacteria is evolving resistance, including to the newly approved antibiotic Cefiderocol. Their findings provide a broader framework for interpreting and addressing emerging resistance in clinical settings.

Why it matters

Acinetobacter baumannii is a major threat in healthcare settings, causing severe infections in vulnerable patients. As the bacteria continues to develop resistance to more and more antibiotics, understanding the genetic basis of this resistance is crucial to developing new treatment strategies and preserving the effectiveness of last-line antibiotics.

The details

The research team, led by Kevin Josue Rome, used genome-wide transposon mutagenesis and analysis of resistant clinical isolates to take a comprehensive look at how Acinetobacter baumannii is evolving resistance. This provided a more holistic view compared to previous studies that focused on single resistance mechanisms. The findings highlight the biological complexity that must be considered to prevent further resistance from emerging.

  • The study was published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum on February 21, 2026.
  • Cefiderocol, a new antibiotic to treat Acinetobacter infections, was approved for use in 2019.

The players

Kevin Josue Rome

Lead author of the study and researcher at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation.

Barry Kreiswirth, Ph.D.

Co-author of the study and researcher at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation.

Acinetobacter baumannii

A dangerous bacteria that has rapidly developed resistance to many antibiotics, posing a major threat in healthcare settings.

Cefiderocol

A new antibiotic approved in 2019 to treat Acinetobacter infections, but the bacteria has already started developing resistance to it.

Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation

The research institution where the study was conducted.

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What they’re saying

“Our genome-wide transposon mutagenesis provided an unbiased framework to uncover previously underappreciated determinants of (cefiderocol) resistance. By defining how these pathways converge, this work provides a broader mechanistic framework for interpreting emerging resistance in clinical settings.”

— Kevin Josue Rome, Lead author (Microbiology Spectrum)

“These insights underscore the need for integrated surveillance strategies and highlight the biological complexity that must be considered to preserve the effectiveness of this last-line antibiotic.”

— Kevin Josue Rome, Lead author (Microbiology Spectrum)

What’s next

The researchers plan to continue studying the genetic mechanisms behind Acinetobacter's resistance evolution in order to develop new strategies to combat this deadly pathogen.

The takeaway

This comprehensive genomic analysis provides critical insights into how Acinetobacter baumannii is rapidly developing resistance to even the newest antibiotics. Understanding these complex resistance pathways is essential for preserving the effectiveness of last-line drugs and staying ahead of this dangerous superbug.