Revisiting Burn Wound Infections: A Comprehensive Review on the Dual Potential of Phages and Probiotics Against Acinetobacter Baumannii Publisher Pubmed



Aghmiyuni Z F ; Sharafshadehi S A ; Afifirad R ; Bafandeh E ; Mokhtaryan M ; Ghanavati R ; Darbandi A
Source: Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: Burn wound infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii remain a critical clinical challenge due to its extensive multidrug resistance, particularly against carbapenems. The growing ineffectiveness of conventional antibiotics has encouraged the exploration of biological alternatives with improved safety and efficacy. Aims: This review summarizes current insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of A. baumannii in burn wounds and evaluates the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages and probiotics as emerging nonantibiotic interventions. Methods: Data from the four international information databases Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. The search strategy was based on the combination of the following terms: “Acinetobacter baumannii,” “Burn wound infections,” “bacteriophages,” “probiotics,” “Multidrug resistance Acinetobacter baumannii,” and “synergism”. Result: Phages offer highly specific antibacterial activity against resistant strains, while probiotics exert antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing properties. Integrating findings from recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Discussion: This review highlights the synergistic potential of combined phage–probiotic strategies in controlling infection, reducing bacterial load, and promoting tissue repair. Conclusion: These approaches represent promising next-generation therapies for managing multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infections in burn patients. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.