KNOWLEDGE GAPS OF ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII

Abstract

The incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens is accelerating, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), a gram-negative, aerobic bacteria that infects blood, urinary tract, lungs, and wounds, has developed resistance to the most commonly utilized antibiotics to treat severe infections, Carbapenems. A. baumannii infections are a growing threat within the hospital environment, and treating rapidly evolving antibiotic resistance is high priority. The goal of this thesis is to better understand the concerns and treatment options for A. baumannii. The following objectives were implemented to achieve this goal: identify knowledge gaps in antibiotic resistance mechanisms and treatment associated with A. baumannii infections and understand A. baumannii in hospitals by gathering personal experiences of professionals addressing exposure with the bacteria. Primary literature was reviewed to create an extensive annotated bibliography. Knowledge gaps in treatment associated with A. baumannii were identified. Health professionals were surveyed to help bridge the gaps in A. baumannii antibiotic resistance and practiced treatments. The most prominent knowledge gaps include alternate approach anti-virulence strategies, application methods for Bacteriophage therapy, treatment for Carbapenem-Resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) infections, clinical and microbiological characteristics of Colistin resistance, and quantitative measurements for environmental and activity factors of A. baumannii. Survey responses proposed infection control interventions, and the need for advancements in the utilization of bacteriophage therapy. There are various methods for prospective treatments and infection control interventions. D-glutamate is identified as a potential vaccine candidate. Modes of bacteriophage administration and the creation of phage libraries are needed. The benefits of combination therapy on CRAB remains unclear, and clinicians must monitor emerging resistance to colistin. It is unknown how the environment and various sanitation methods impact the presence and quantity.