Efficacy of the small molecule inhibitor of Lipid II BAS00127538 against Acinetobacter baumannii

Abstract

Erik PH de Leeuw Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Objective: To test the activity of a small molecule compound that targets Lipid II against Acinetobacter baumannii. Methods: Susceptibility to small molecule Lipid II inhibitor BAS00127538 was assessed using carbapenem- and colistin-resistant clinical isolates of A. baumannii. In addition, synergy between colisitin and this compound was assessed. Results: Small molecule Lipid II inhibitor BAS00127538 potently acts against A. baumannii and acts synergistically with colistin. Conclusion: For the first time, a compound that targets Lipid II is described that acts against multi-drug resistant isolates of A. baumannii. The synergy with colistin warrants further lead development of BAS00127538. Keywords: Lipid II, Acinetobacter baumannii, drug development