The Emergence of Resistant Strains of Acinetobacter baumannii: Clinical and Infection Control Implications

Abstract
A prospective study was undertaken to determine colonization rates, susceptibility profiles, and outcomes in patients with clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. Fifty percent of patients became colonized with A baumannii, and 29% of these patients had clinical and colonizing isolates with discordant susceptibility profiles, without apparent relation to antibiotic use. Barrier infection control measures are necessary to prevent nosocomial transmission.