ACINETOBACTER SPECIES AS A CAUSE OF CATHETER-RELATED INFECTIONS

In recent years, Acinetobacter species have emerged as clinically impo rtant pathogens. Though these organisms are widely prevalent in nature , most human infections are hospital-acquired. Acinetobacter baumannii is the predominant species. Nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii infect ions such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, m eningitis following neurosurgical procedures, and bacteremia mainly af fect patients with severe underlying disease in the ICU and often, in the setting of a nosocomial outbreak. The occurrence of multiresistant strains often limits therapeutic options. A substantial part of Acine tobacter baumannii bacteremia cases represent catheter-related infecti ons that usually carry a favorable prognosis. Acinetobacter species ot her than Acinetobacter baumannii are less frequently reported as a cau se of infection in humans. Bacteremia due to these organisms is mostly sporadic and almost exclusively related to intravascular devices. The underlying diseases are often less severe than those of patients affe cted by Acinetobacter baumannii infections. The clinical course is usu ally benign and the infection responds readily to catheter removal irr espective of the appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy.