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Acinetobacter pneumonia: a review

Joshua D Hartzell1, Andrew S Kim, Mark G Kortepeter

  • 1Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Joshua.Hartzell@na.amedd.army.mil

Medgenmed : Medscape General Medicine
|December 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Acinetobacter species cause serious hospital infections and are increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Treatment now often relies on older drugs like polymyxins (colistin).

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acinetobacter species are a growing cause of nosocomial infections.
  • These include hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
  • Increasing antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter poses a significant treatment challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology of Acinetobacter infections.
  • To discuss current treatment strategies for Acinetobacter infections.
  • To outline prevention methods for Acinetobacter infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiology.
  • Analysis of treatment options.
  • Summary of prevention guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Acinetobacter is a significant nosocomial pathogen.
  • Antibiotic resistance is a major concern.
  • Polymyxins (colistin) are often used for treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management requires understanding epidemiology.
  • Treatment relies on older antibiotics due to resistance.
  • Prevention strategies are crucial to control spread.

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