Comparative modelling and virtual screening to discover potential competitive inhibitors targeting the 30s ribosomal subunit S2 and S9 in Acinetobacter baumannii

Development of multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacterial species is one of the most catastrophic problems faced by mankind these days. Acinetobactor baumannii belongs to the group of ‘ESKAPE’ pathogens which includes the bacterial species that have developed the resistance to first-line antibiotics. It is responsible for causing community acquired diseases. Therefore, identification of new drug targets holds considerable importance in order to combat the drug resistance in this pathogen. In this context, 30s ribosomal subunit S2 (rpsI) and 30s ribosomal subunit S9 (rpsB) appears to be a promising choice as they are found in most of the pathogenic strains and is crucial for protein synthesis in this bacteria.