Acinetobacter baumannii
Definition
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections. It is known for its remarkable ability to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Acinetobacter baumannii often causes infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and wound infections.
- It has a high propensity for acquiring antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer.
- Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a significant concern in healthcare settings due to limited treatment options.
- The bacterium can survive on environmental surfaces for extended periods, contributing to its spread in hospitals.
- Treatment of infections caused by A. baumannii often requires the use of combination antibiotic therapy or last-resort drugs like colistin.
Review Questions
- What types of infections are commonly caused by Acinetobacter baumannii?
- Why is Acinetobacter baumannii particularly problematic in terms of antibiotic resistance?
- What strategies are used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii?
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Related terms
Horizontal Gene Transfer: The movement of genetic material between organisms other than by the vertical transmission from parent to offspring.
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE): A family of bacteria that are resistant to carbapenems, which are antibiotics used as a last resort.
Colistin: An antibiotic used as a last-resort treatment for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.
