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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Quantification, Viability Assessment, and Visualization Strategies for Acinetobacter Biofilms
Published on: August 4, 2023
In vitro activity of ceftobiprole against Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates
Sara Marti1, Javier Sánchez-Céspedes, Paula Espinal
1Servei de Microbiologia, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
Acinetobacter baumannii is a multiresistant opportunistic nosocomial pathogen responsible for outbreaks worldwide. The main infection caused by this microorganism is nosocomial pneumonia, in particular ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients in Intensive Care Units. Treatment of these nosocomial infections is becoming problematic because the level of resistance to antimicrobial agents is rising. Ceftobiprole is a new cephalosporin with activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. This study evaluated the in vitro activity of ceftobiprole against a collection of 58 A. baumannii clinical isolates and showed that the activity of ceftobiprole was superior to ceftazidime and cefepime when the bla(ADC)-like gene was not expressed or was expressed at a low level.
Insights
Ceftobiprole shows promising activity against Acinetobacter baumannii, a multidrug-resistant bacterium causing hospital-acquired infections. Its effectiveness is notable, especially when the blaADC-like gene is not expressed, offering a potential new treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units.
- Rising antimicrobial resistance in A. baumannii complicates treatment options for these severe infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ceftobiprole against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.
- To compare the efficacy of ceftobiprole with existing cephalosporins like ceftazidime and cefepime.
Main Methods:
- In vitro susceptibility testing was performed on 58 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.
- The expression levels of the blaADC-like gene were assessed in relation to antibiotic activity.
Main Results:
- Ceftobiprole demonstrated superior in vitro activity compared to ceftazidime and cefepime against the tested A. baumannii isolates.
- This enhanced activity was particularly evident when the blaADC-like gene was not expressed or expressed at low levels.
Conclusions:
- Ceftobiprole represents a potential therapeutic agent for Acinetobacter baumannii infections, especially in cases with limited resistance mechanisms.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to confirm the efficacy of ceftobiprole in treating nosocomial infections caused by A. baumannii.
