Acinetobacter baumannii
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium which has been in the news recently in reports of infections among soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Normally quite a mild-mannered species, Acinetobacter causes opportunistic nosocomial infections, entering the body through open wounds, catheters and breathing tubes, and usually infecting those with compromised immune systems.
At least 27 people have died with Acinetobacter infections in American military hospitals since 2003, and a particularly troublesome multiple antibiotic-resistant strain appears to have spread to at least five locations, including the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and the Army’s Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Hundreds of patients have suffered infections of the bloodstream, cerebrospinal fluid, bones or lungs, many of them were troops wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Acinetobacter baumannii is well on it’s way to joining the evil superbug club, alongside the existing members MRSA and Clostridium difficile.
Tags: Acinetobacter baumannii, Afghanistan, Bacteria, Clostridium difficile, Gram-negative, immune system, Iraq, MRSA, nosocomial infections, soldiers, superbug
Acinetobacter baumannii from Iraq has spread throughout the entire Military Medical System to the VA system and on to civilian hospitals all across our country. The military knew the cause and the source of these strains of ab three years ago but failed to contain it.
Protocal was not followed. Medical records did not pass on with patients. Antibiotics were indiscriminately used. Add the underfunding, understaffing, and overloading with casualties the military created the perfect storm.
Civilians are dying from this in hospitals all across our country now.
Some cases are home grown but many are confirmed strains from the military.
Unfortunately, most of your comments also apply to the other hospital superbugs. Protocols are not followed, people don’t wash their hands, etc.
I think many doctors are washing their hands less than before, especially in third-world countries. Of course, many DO, I don’t mean to imply everyone.
Eileen in the Middle East
We are in Toledo Ohio. About as far from the war as you can get. AB is slowly killing my wife along with MRSA. In 4 days she went from smiling and happy to intensive care. 3 more days and she was unconcious. She has not regained conciosness since 12/24/07. If any one, in any sector, knows or hears of a new treatment can they PLEASE contact me. elrod00@earthlink.net Thank you. R.E.Lutz