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Yale Daily News - Profs study deadly germ seen in Iraq

"Yale researchers are waging their own war against an invisible enemy in Iraq — a strain of multiresistant bacteria that has infected over 700 soldiers and been associated with seven deaths since 2003.

According to research published today in Genes and Development, a Yale team has identified 16 “alien islands” on the genome of Acinetobactar baumannii that are responsible for its virulence. The bacteria targets individuals with compromised immune systems, making Iraqi soldiers who suffer traumatic wounds ideal hosts for the “superbug.” The lab, which is led by Yale professor Michael Snyder, is responsible for developing the first complete sequence of the microbe’s genome.

“Alien islands” are DNA segments that the bacteria acquires from other microorganisms and retains if they provide a survival benefit.

“[A. baumannii] is a pathogen on the rise,” Snyder said. “It has become a more serious health concern in recent years, especially since it has evolved into more and more resistant forms.”