European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
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Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. · Jul 2008
Bloodstream infection due to Acinetobacter spp: epidemiology, risk factors and impact of multi-drug resistance.
Acinetobacter spp. are increasingly reported as important causes of human infection. Many isolates exhibit multi-drug resistance, raising concerns over our ability to treat serious infections with these organisms. The impact of infection on clinical outcome as well as the importance of multi-drug resistance is poorly defined. ⋯ Most episodes occurred in critical care and were associated with multidrug resistance, with carbapenem resistance rising from 0% in 1998 to 55% in 2006. Although bacteremia due to carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter and a requirement for critical care were associated with a higher mortality, mortality was not reduced by the administration of appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy. A prospective study is required to identify both the most effective intervention and those most likely to benefit from treatment.