Acinetobacter baumannii complex has been shown to cause ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Acinetobacter lwoffii is a known skin colonizer but has been found to cause bacteremia in hospitalized patients. Acinetobacter are coccobacilli and can resemble Neisseria species by Gram stain.

How is Acinetobacter baumannii transmitted?

Acinetobacter is spread by contact with a person or environment that has the bacteria. In healthcare facilities, the bacteria can spread from workers' hands or contaminated surfaces or healthcare items.

Is Acinetobacter baumannii serious?

Acinetobacter Treatment and 'Superbug' Antibiotic Resistance

The CDC considers Acinetobacter, including A. baumannii, a serious public health threat because it's often resistant to multiple antibiotics. In fact, 63 percent of Acinetobacter strains are multidrug-resistant, the CDC notes.