Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic gram-negative pathogen and can be involved in both urinary tract infections and wound infections.
Urinary tract infections: Acinetobacter baumannii is increasingly implicated in complicated and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), especially in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. It is notable for its ability to survive in harsh environments and its multidrug resistance, which can complicate treatment. Though not a leading cause of community-acquired UTIs, its prevalence in healthcare settings and its association with severe outcomes warrant its inclusion in diagnostic panels. Identification through PCR is crucial, especially given its frequent multidrug-resistant profile (Peleg et al. 2008).
Wound infections: Acinetobacter baumannii causes serious wound infections, especially in healthcare settings. A. baumannii is particularly notable for its multidrug resistance, often being resistant to many antibiotics and difficult to treat. Early detection of A. baumannii in wound specimens is important so that appropriate infection control measures and effective antimicrobial therapy can be promptly implemented (Davis et al. 2025, CDC, 2024).
Peleg AY, Seifert H, Paterson DL. Acinetobacter baumannii: emergence of a successful pathogen. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2008 Jul;21(3):538-82. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00058-07. PMID: 18625687; PMCID: PMC2493088.
Davis, K. A., Moran, K. A., McAllister, C. K., & Gray, P. J. (2005). Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter extremity infections in soldiers. Emerging infectious diseases, 11(8), 1218–1224.*
