Roorkee, Feb. 10 -- Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have uncovered a crucial regulatory mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii -- a highly drug-resistant superbug responsible for life-threatening infections.

Their study, published in the journal mBio, reveals how the pathogen controls its attack and defense systems, paving the way for new treatment strategies.

Acinetobacter baumannii poses a serious threat in healthcare settings as it resists multiple antibiotics. It causes severe hospital-acquired infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections.

To attack competing microbes, the superbug uses the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS) -- a bacterial "weapon". However, its mech...