MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII: CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of infections associated with carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii, focusing on reports described in Brazil. Material and Methods: This study consists of a literature review evaluating research papers and literature reviews published in Portuguese or English between 2001 and 2013. A total of 33 articles were selected for analysis based on searches carried out in the databases PubMed and SciELO using the descriptors: "Acinetobacter baumannii", "carbapenemases”, "infection" and "epidemiology”. Results: A. baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with outbreaks of nosocomial infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, with higher incidence in intensive care units (ICUs). The ability of this pathogen to develop resistance mechanisms limits the availability of treatment options, making it difficult to treat these infections and increasing mortality rates. Metallo-beta-lactamases and, more prevalently, oxacilinases are the most worrisome cause of acquired resistance to carbapenens in this pathogen. The first outbreak reported in Brazil occurred in 1999 and since then there has been a growing spread of epidemic clones of this bacterium in the country. Conclusion: The worldwide emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of carbapenemase-producing A. baumannii has become a public health problem. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic options and a greater emphasis on prevention of transmission of this bacterium in the hospital setting are essential. DESCRIPTORS Acinetobacter baumannii. Beta-lactamases. Infection. Epidemiology.