Completely resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains

Abstract

Nosocomially acquired completely resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains are a major clinical concern. We identified completely resistant A. baumannii in 6 (4.9%) of 122 A. baumannii isolates in a retrospective chart review at two teaching hospitals. All of these patients had received broad-spectrum antibiotics and had severe underlying comorbid illnesses, long hospitalizations, or recent surgical procedures; 3 had been in the intensive care unit. Five (83%) of the 6 patients were older than 70 years. Only one death occurred. Strict infection control measures may limit further spread.