Demystify Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Pneumonia Burden: 2-Year Cohort Study

The World Health Organization has identified carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections as the most important pathogens for which new antibiotics must be developed immediately. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the comparison of epidemiology, microbial pattern, and antibiotic resistance in CRAB and carbapenem-sensitive A . baumannii (CSAB).

A retrospective cohort study was used, with community-acquired pneumonia with A . baumannii bacterial culture results. Data were obtained from the patient's medical record and the results of antibiotic sensitivity testing with the culture method by planting sputum on blood agar and MacConkey medium for 24 h.

A total of 50 patients, CRAB ( n = 26) and CSAB ( n = 24), found that the average gender was male in CRAB compared to CSAB (69.2% vs. 48.2%). Complications of respiratory failure, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome were higher in CRAB compared to CSAB (30.8% vs. 20.8%, 46.2% vs. 25%, and 2% vs. 0%). The mortality rate in the CRAB group was 53.8% vs. CSAB 12.5%. The mean length of stay (LOS) in CRAB was 17.92, while CSAB was 11.00. The mean cost of hospitalization in CRAB was higher than CSAB ($6993.0615 vs. $3263.7375). The mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio value in the CRAB group was 20.4, while in CSAB was 10.6.

The results indicated that CRAB infection carries a greater burden in terms of cost of treatment, mortality, LOS, and more serious complications, compared to CSAB infection.