ABSTRACT
Although they can be responsible for occasional community- acquired infections, members of the genus Acinetobacter have emerged primarily as significant nosocomial pathogens, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). In the EPIIC study conducted in 17 European countries, Acinetobacter was isolated in 9.3% of ICU-acquired infections, particularly those involving blood and the lower respiratory tract. Early appropriate antibiotic treatment is able to reduce the fatality rate of Gram-negative bacteraemia by approximately 50%. In addition, the frequency with which shock develops is reduced, and even after the development of shock, patients with adequate antibiotic therapy have a better prognosis. The initial empiric therapy for suspected cases of Acinetobacter infection should be guided by a knowledge of the local strain ecology and susceptibility patterns, and by the results of direct examination of appropriate samples.
