Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter infections: an emerging challenge to clinicians.
OBJECTIVE
To review and evaluate clinically relevant epidemiology, microbiology, and clinical studies regarding the treatment of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter infections.


METHODS
Pertinent literature was identified by a MEDLINE search (1966-September 2003) and through secondary bibliographies of pertinent articles.


METHODS
All English-language articles identified from data sources were evaluated for clinical relevance.


RESULTS
Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a worldwide problem as a nosocomial pathogen in hospitalized patients. Acinetobacter spp. can cause a multitude of infections including pneumonia, bacteremia, meningitis, urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections, and the mortality associated with these infections is high. Isolates resistant to almost all commercially available antimicrobials have been identified, thus limiting treatment options. The development of new agents and reappraisal of older compounds (ie, polymyxins, ampicillin/sulbactam) are necessary as we consider the optimal treatment of these multidrug-resistant organisms.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no simple answer to the treatment of Acinetobacter infections. Eradication of Acinetobacter spp. requires adherence to good infection control practices and prudent antibiotic use, as well as effective antimicrobial therapy. Alternative therapies such as colistin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and tetracycline are potential options, but prospective, randomized, controlled trials are still lacking.
Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7230, USA.
Rupali
R
Jain
Larry H
LH
Danziger
D000151:Acinetobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D040981:Acinetobacter baumannii / Q000187:drug effects; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003091:Colistin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D013407:Sulbactam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013754:Tetracyclines; D013407:Sulbactam; D003091:Colistin