Mcb 1 Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the Gram stain classification of Acinetobacter?
Gram negative
Acinetobacter is classified as Gram negative, indicating its cell wall structure.
What is the shape of Acinetobacter bacteria?
Coccobacilli
Coccobacilli are short, oval-shaped bacteria.
Is Acinetobacter motile or non-motile?
Non-motile
Acinetobacter does not have flagella and cannot move independently.
What type of aerobe is Acinetobacter?
Strict aerobe
Acinetobacter requires oxygen for growth.
What are the two most common species of Acinetobacter found in clinical specimens?
A. baumannii, A. iwofii
These species are frequently isolated in clinical settings.
What percentage of all nosocomial infections do Acinetobacter species account for?
1-3%
This indicates Acinetobacter’s role as an opportunistic pathogen in hospitals.
What are some environmental reservoirs for Acinetobacter?
- Soil
- Fresh water
- Vegetables
- Animals
- Body of lice, fleas, ticks
Acinetobacter can be found in various natural and environmental settings.
What is a common site of colonization for Acinetobacter in healthy adults?
Pharynx
Approximately 25% of healthy adults may carry Acinetobacter in their pharynx.
What is a major virulence factor of Acinetobacter?
Polysaccharide capsule
The capsule helps prevent complement activation and delays phagocytosis.
What are some diseases associated with A. baumannii?
- UTI
- Pneumonia
- Tracheobronchitis
- Endocarditis
- Meningitides
- Septicemia
- Burn infections
- Eye infections
A. baumannii is linked to various opportunistic infections.
What type of diagnostic test is used to identify Acinetobacter?
Culture
Culturing the bacteria is essential for identification and testing antibiotic susceptibility.
What selective media can be used to isolate Acinetobacter?
- CHROME Agar
- Leeds Acinetobacter Agar
These media help select for Acinetobacter during culture.
What is the result of a Gram stain for Acinetobacter?
Tiny diplococci, Gram negative
Acinetobacter appears as small, paired cocci under the microscope.
What antibiotics are commonly used to treat Acinetobacter infections?
- Carbapenem (Imipenem, Meropenem)
- Polymyxin
- Tigecycline
- Aminoglycosides
These classes of antibiotics are often effective against Acinetobacter.
What is a major problem associated with Acinetobacter treatment?
Antibiotic resistance
Many strains of Acinetobacter, particularly A. baumannii, have developed multidrug resistance (MDR).
What is one method for preventing Acinetobacter infections?
Hand washing
Proper hygiene practices are essential in controlling the spread of Acinetobacter.
Fill in the blank: Acinetobacter is known to form _______ for surface colonization.
biofilms
Biofilm formation aids in persistence and resistance against host defenses.
