Related Experiment Videos
Antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter meningitis in neurosurgical patients
M H Nguyen1, S P Harris, R R Muder
1Department of Medicine and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.
Abstract:
Acinetobacter anitratus has emerged as one of the common pathogens responsible for postneurosurgical meningitis at the authors' institution. Seven patients with Acinetobacter meningitis were identified during the 4-year period of this study, five of whom acquired organisms susceptible only to imipenem and amikacin. Acinetobacter bacteremia occurred concomitantly in five patients. Despite late institution of therapy as a result either of organism misidentification on Gram stain or of unexpected acquisition of a highly resistant organism, the patients' outcome was favorable after the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Imipenem and amikacin, with or without intrathecal aminoglycosides, were effective in patients with resistant strains of Acinetobacter.
Insights
Acinetobacter anitratus causes postneurosurgical meningitis. Effective treatment for resistant strains involved imipenem and amikacin, leading to favorable patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acinetobacter anitratus is an emerging pathogen causing postneurosurgical meningitis.
- This study identifies seven cases over a four-year period at a single institution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and treatment outcomes of Acinetobacter meningitis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics against resistant Acinetobacter strains.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis.
- Review of patient records including demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment regimens.
- Microbiological susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Five of seven patients had Acinetobacter strains resistant to most antibiotics, susceptible only to imipenem and amikacin.
- Concomitant Acinetobacter bacteremia was present in five patients.
- Despite delayed treatment due to misidentification or resistance, appropriate therapy led to favorable outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Imipenem and amikacin, with or without intrathecal aminoglycosides, are effective treatments for resistant Acinetobacter meningitis.
- Prompt identification and appropriate antibiotic selection are crucial for favorable outcomes in postneurosurgical meningitis caused by Acinetobacter.