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Multidrug-resistant A.baumannii has spread to civilian hospitals in part due to the transport of infected soldiers through multiple medical facilities.



Author: The U.S. Army
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Protesters marching down Pennsylvania Avenue tpward the Capitol



Author Ragesoss

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Acinetobacter baumannii

  • General information

    • the following information is not yet verified
      The name Acinetobacter (from the Greek akineto, "nonmotile") reflects the fact that these bacteria do not have flagella and consequently, lack swimming motility.

      A. baumannii is part of the ACB complex (A. calcoaceticus and A. baumannii).

      Taxonomy
      Family: Moraxellaceae

      Natural habitat
      Acinetobacter species are widely distributed in nature and have been found in soil, sewage, water and in the hospital environment.
      They are able to survive on moist and dry surfaces, and also be present in foodstuff and on the healthy human skin.

      Clinical significance
      A. baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infections have been documented to be associated with a high degree of mortality and morbidity.

      Particular manifestations of A. baumannii are its implication in infections in soldiers that have been severly wounded in war and in victims of natural disasters.

      Although severe infections with A. baumannii have been documented, Infections like, respiratory, urinary tract, wound infections, abscesses and meningitis in debilitated humans,
      colonization is much more frequent than infection, and differentiation between these conditions can be difficult.

      Still, although they are uncommon, community-acquired pneumonia with A. baumannii occur.

      The ability of this microorganism to acquire antimicrobial multiresistance and his high capacity for survival on most environmental surfaces has led to an increase concern regarding hospital acquired infections.

      A possible mechanism contributing to survival of A. baumannii is its ability to form a biofilm-like structure at the air/liquid interface, known as a pellicle.

  • Gram stain

    • the following information is not yet verified
      Gram negative, short, almost round, rod-shaped rods,

      Individual cells are 0.9-1.5 x 1.5-2.5 µm,

      located often in pairs or chains of variable length.

      They are sometimes difficult to decolorize

  • Culture characteristics

    • the following information is not yet verified

      Obligate aerobic / NF (non-lactose fermenter)

      BA: after 24h, colonies are 1-2 mm in diameter, colorless to beige, domed and smooth to mucoid, non-hemolytic, center growth thicker.

      The colonies are slightly smaller than the Enterobacteriaceae

      Colonies of encapsulated cells are generally non-pigmented and mucoid.

      McConkey: colonies are pale, and can become pink.

      BBAØ: no growth

  • Characteristics

  • References

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