Acinetobacter baumannii, a Multidrug-Resistant Opportunistic Pathogen in New Habitats: A Systematic Review

Acinetobacter baumannii, a Multidrug-Resistant Opportunistic Pathogen in New Habitats: A Systematic Review

23 March 2024 | Omar E. Ahuatzin-Flores, Eduardo Torres, Edith Chávez-Bravo
Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen that has become a significant public health concern due to its ability to survive in various environments and resist antibiotics. This systematic review highlights the increasing presence of A. baumannii in non-hospital settings, including water, soil, food, and animals, indicating a broader environmental reservoir. The bacterium's ability to form biofilms and resist disinfectants contributes to its persistence and transmission. Recent studies have identified A. baumannii in diverse environments such as rivers, treatment plants, and soils, as well as in food sources like meat and vegetables, and in domestic animals like dogs, cats, and horses. These findings suggest that A. baumannii may be acquired from sources outside hospitals, posing a risk to public health. The review also discusses the antimicrobial resistance profile of A. baumannii, highlighting the presence of resistance genes such as those encoding beta-lactamases and carbapenemases. The bacterium's adaptability and ability to acquire resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer make it a significant threat. The review emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to address the potential threat of A. baumannii in both healthcare and community settings. The study concludes that understanding the ecological dynamics and transmission pathways of A. baumannii is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its spread and impact on public health.Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen that has become a significant public health concern due to its ability to survive in various environments and resist antibiotics. This systematic review highlights the increasing presence of A. baumannii in non-hospital settings, including water, soil, food, and animals, indicating a broader environmental reservoir. The bacterium's ability to form biofilms and resist disinfectants contributes to its persistence and transmission. Recent studies have identified A. baumannii in diverse environments such as rivers, treatment plants, and soils, as well as in food sources like meat and vegetables, and in domestic animals like dogs, cats, and horses. These findings suggest that A. baumannii may be acquired from sources outside hospitals, posing a risk to public health. The review also discusses the antimicrobial resistance profile of A. baumannii, highlighting the presence of resistance genes such as those encoding beta-lactamases and carbapenemases. The bacterium's adaptability and ability to acquire resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer make it a significant threat. The review emphasizes the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to address the potential threat of A. baumannii in both healthcare and community settings. The study concludes that understanding the ecological dynamics and transmission pathways of A. baumannii is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its spread and impact on public health.
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