ABSTRACT
Gram-negative non-fermentative bacteria now recognised as belonging to the genus Acinetobacter have been classified previously under a variety of different names, and it is only relatively recently that rational taxonomic proposals for these organisms have emerged. Delineation of species within the genus is still the subject of ongoing research, and there is a particular need for a rapid and reliable method of assigning new isolates to individual species. This chapter presents a broad introductory overview of the biology of the genus Acinetobacter in its entirety and to highlight the most important features. In addition to carriage by patients and staff, various strains of Acinetobacter can be isolated from a wide range of both moist and dry inanimate sources in the hospital environment, including Formica table tops, dust, ventilatory equipment, humidifiers, mattresses, urinals and wash basins.
