Global spread of drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: molecular epidemiology and management of antimicrobial resistance

Future Microbiol. 2011 Apr;6(4):407-22. doi: 10.2217/fmb.11.23.

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen with increasing relevance in a variety of hospital-acquired infections especially among intensive care unit patients. Resistance to antimicrobial agents is the main reason for A. baumannii spread. A. baumannii outbreaks described worldwide are caused by a limited number of genotypic clusters of multidrug-resistant strains that successfully spread among hospitals of different cities and countries. In this article, we will focus on the mechanisms responsible for resistance to antimicrobials and disinfectants in A. baumannii and the epidemiology of drug-resistant A. baumannii in healthcare facilities. We will also discuss the therapeutic and infection control strategies for management of drug-resistant A. baumannii epidemics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter Infections / diagnosis
  • Acinetobacter Infections / drug therapy
  • Acinetobacter Infections / epidemiology*
  • Acinetobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / drug effects*
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / pathogenicity*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Colistin / pharmacology
  • Colistin / therapeutic use
  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • DNA Fingerprinting
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • Sulbactam / pharmacology
  • Sulbactam / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • Sulbactam
  • Colistin