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Acinetobacter Baumannii

Acinetobacter Baumannii is a species of pathogenic bacteria and refers to an aerobic gram-negative bacterium which is resistant to most antibiotics. Infections caused by this virus tend to occur in patients with an underlying disease. It is a common bacteria in the environment meaning hosts can carry the virus without infection but can easily infect patients in a hospital.

Infection will normally begin in the lungs as the bacteria are inhaled or passed through a ventilator but it can be associated with a catheter infection. The virus can cause severe central nervous system infections, meningitis and ventriculitis. If the infection continues to grow it will slowly spread to other areas of the body, colonising the organs. The infection can then lead to death if a patient does not receive aggressive treatment. The mortality rate is around 80%.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the area infection but can include:

  • Fever
  • Red, swollen, warm or painful skin areas or wounds
  • Areas of orange, bumpy skin with blisters
  • Cough
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Burning during urination
  • Sleepiness
  • Headaches
  • Stiff neck

Treatment
Immediate treatment of the infection can decrease potential problems. The treatment depends on the area of infection for example if you have pneumonia, you may need oxygen and medicines to help you breathe. For a wound infection, you may need surgery to remove dead tissue.

Find out more about Superbugs Caught in Hospitals

This website contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. Please read our medical disclaimer.