Experimental evolution reveals temporally opposing roles for Csu pili during Acinetobacter baumannii respiratory infection
Luca Cavinato, Clay D. Jackson-Litteken, Erin M Nawrocki, Neha Dubey, Chi Tai, Manon Janet-Maitre, Vaughn S Cooper, Christina L. Stallings, Gisela Di Venanzio, Mario F Feldman
This study shows that Csu pili in A. baumannii have opposing roles in early and late stages of chronic lung infection, reducing bacterial burden initially but promoting persistence later.
bioRxiv · Nov 2, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology