Genus Acinetobacter

Question 1

Classification

Answer 1

17 species 
Most important: 
A.Baumannii
A.Iwoffii 
A.haemolyticus

Question 2

Morphology

Answer 2

Usually appear as coccobacilli or cocci (diplococci) —> resemble Neisseriae

Question 3

Habitat and transmission

Answer 3

• part of the normal oropharyngeal flora of a small number
• opportunistic pathogens
• nosocomial infections (most of which are device associated)
• survive on moist surfaces :
  > respiratory therapy equipment
  > room humidifiers

Question 4

Diseases

Answer 4

• respiratory tract infections (“nosocomial pneumonia = ventilated pneumonia”)
• UTIs
• Wound infections
• Septicemia

Question 5

Treatment

Answer 5

• specific therapy must be guided by in vitro susceptibility tests

Acinetobacter species, particularly A. Baumannii are often resistant to many antibiotics

Traditionally treated with carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem) but a rise in resistant strain

Last resort - cholistine (due to its nephrotoxicity)