An Insight into the Synthesis of Oligosaccharides Related to Acinetobacter sp. and Their Implications toward Human Health

Abstract

After the initial glitches with proper taxonomic classification, Acinetobacter sp. has emerged as a widely studied class of bacteria in recent times owing to its pathogenic virulence. It is one of the most significant causative agents for hospital-acquired infections that occur in patients with prolonged hospital stays. Acinetobacter baumannii, being the most clinically relevant species of the family, has earned its place in the notorious ESKAPE group of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Resistance to all clinically used antibiotics has prompted the need for alternative therapeutics to combat A. baumannii infections, driving researchers towards vaccine design. As a result, significant emphasis has been given towards the chemical synthesis of the complex oligosaccharides related to the O-antigens from different A. baumannii strains for their potential use in the construction of an effective vaccine candidate. Such a chemical endeavour not only promises the development of conjugated vaccines against this deadly pathogen but also enriches the synthetic carbohydrate domain with innovative strategies. A comprehensive insight into the developments in this particular area of research will lead to the emergence of novel therapeutics soon.