Acinetobacter baumannii: an emerging opportunistic pathogen

Virulence. 2012 May 1;3(3):243-50. doi: 10.4161/viru.19700. Epub 2012 May 1.

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen primarily associated with hospital-acquired infections. The recent increase in incidence, largely associated with infected combat troops returning from conflict zones, coupled with a dramatic increase in the incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, has significantly raised the profile of this emerging opportunistic pathogen. Herein, we provide an overview of the pathogen, discuss some of the major factors that have led to its clinical prominence and outline some of the novel therapeutic strategies currently in development.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter Infections / drug therapy
  • Acinetobacter Infections / epidemiology*
  • Acinetobacter Infections / microbiology*
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / drug effects
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / pathogenicity*
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / drug therapy
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology*
  • Opportunistic Infections / microbiology*