Acinetobacter baumannii – a problematic microorganism with increasing antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Introduction

In the last years, the growing antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates has been registered all over the world, incl. in our country. This increases the cost of treatment, burdens health care facilities and staff, and - on an individual level - worsens the quality of life of patients, especially the risk of death. The aim of this study is to discuss up-to-date data on the problematic and increasing antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii and their containment.

Materials and Methods

Information from the last five years is selected from scientific databases: CDC, ECDC, Elsevier, PubMed, Sciencedirect, BulSTAR, Medical Institute of Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Results and Discussion

According to experts, emergence of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii should be contained using complex measures: screening of risky patients, increased measures in infection control and antimicrobial stewardship. The COVID-19 pandemic over the past year has contributed to increase in resistance due to the heightened and in many cases irrational use of often broad-spectrum antibiotics. The need for laboratory testing of susceptibility/ resistance of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii hospital isolates to antimicrobials is frequently overlooked.

Conclusions

Strict control of infections is needed to limit the increasing resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii, including through monitoring, and an early and accurate laboratory diagnosis. It is necessary to raise the level of awareness regarding antibiotic policy, both among medical professionals and among people in society as a whole, through information events and materials.