Infective endocarditis by Acinetobacter species: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Acinetobacter baumannii - A. calcoaceticus complex infections are rising, especially in ICUs, with high mortality.
• Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition, and Acinetobacter species, though rare, pose treatment challenges due to antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review all published cases of IE caused by Acinetobacter species.
• To analyze epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, treatment, and outcome data for Acinetobacter IE.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to April 25, 2020.
• Inclusion of 35 studies with data from 37 patients diagnosed with Acinetobacter IE.

Main Results:

• The A. baumannii - A. calcoaceticus complex was the most common pathogen, often affecting the aortic valve.
• Prosthetic valves were present in 40.5% of cases; fever and sepsis were common presentations.
• Clinical cure was achieved in 70.3% of patients, with an overall mortality rate of 32.4%.

Conclusions:

• Heart failure development was independently associated with increased mortality in Acinetobacter IE.
• This review provides comprehensive insights into the epidemiology, presentation, treatment, and outcomes of Acinetobacter species causing IE.