Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
07:50
An In Vitro Model of a Parallel-Plate Perfusion System to Study Bacterial Adherence to Graft Tissues
Published on: January 7, 2019
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis by Acinetobacter baumannii: Case Report and Systematic Descriptive Review
Annabella Salvati1, Loredana Alessio1, Gloria Trombaccia2
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii can cause severe infective endocarditis, particularly prosthetic valve endocarditis. Surgical intervention may improve survival rates in these challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (PVE) poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Acinetobacter baumannii, particularly extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, is an emerging pathogen in healthcare-associated infections.
- Limited data exist on PVE caused by XDR Acinetobacter baumannii.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case of PVE caused by XDR Acinetobacter baumannii.
- To systematically review the literature on Acinetobacter baumannii infective endocarditis (IE).
- To analyze the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of IE caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.
Main Methods:
- A case of PVE due to XDR Acinetobacter baumannii is presented.
- A systematic descriptive review of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted up to January 2026.
- Search terms included "A. baumannii" AND ("infective endocarditis" OR "endocarditis" OR "valvular infection").
- Included were 19 clinical cases of IE caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.
Main Results:
- The case patient developed PVE after osteomyelitis caused by XDR Acinetobacter baumannii and unfortunately died despite treatment.
- Of the 19 reviewed cases, 9 involved prosthetic valves, 9 involved native valves, and 1 involved a right atrial mass.
- Twelve cases were caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) or XDR Acinetobacter baumannii.
- Mortality was higher in patients not treated with surgery (69%) compared to those treated with surgery (16.7%), though this requires cautious interpretation due to small sample size.
Conclusions:
- Infective endocarditis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii is a severe condition.
- Multidisciplinary management is crucial for addressing Acinetobacter baumannii IE.
- Surgical intervention may be associated with improved outcomes in Acinetobacter baumannii IE.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
01:26Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...