Understanding Acinetobacter and Its Resistance

Acinetobacter, particularly the carbapenem-resistant strain Acinetobacter baumannii, presents significant challenges in clinical settings, characterized by its high levels of resistance to multiple antibiotics. Studies have shown that Acinetobacter primarily exists in healthcare environments, making it difficult to manage due to its ability to acquire resistance genes and rapidly evolve. A recent international cohort study revealed that 62% of infections were hospital-acquired, contributing to a 30-day mortality rate of 24% among infected patients. The genetic mechanisms behind this resistance include plasmid-mediated carbapenemases, such as OXA-23, which were prevalent across regions studied.