Acinetobacter baumannii

Definition

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections. It is known for its remarkable ability to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acinetobacter baumannii often causes infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and wound infections.
2. It has a high propensity for acquiring antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer.
3. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a significant concern in healthcare settings due to limited treatment options.
4. The bacterium can survive on environmental surfaces for extended periods, contributing to its spread in hospitals.
5. Treatment of infections caused by A. baumannii often requires the use of combination antibiotic therapy or last-resort drugs like colistin.

Review Questions

• What types of infections are commonly caused by Acinetobacter baumannii?
• Why is Acinetobacter baumannii particularly problematic in terms of antibiotic resistance?
• What strategies are used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii?

Related terms

Horizontal Gene Transfer: The movement of genetic material between organisms other than by the vertical transmission from parent to offspring.

Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE): A family of bacteria that are resistant to carbapenems, which are antibiotics used as a last resort.

Colistin: An antibiotic used as a last-resort treatment for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.