Acinetobacter lwoffii

Acinetobacter lwoffii

Acinetobacter lwoffii is a species of Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Acinetobacter. It is a non-motile, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive, strictly aerobic bacterium that is commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil and water. A. lwoffii is part of the normal flora of human skin and can be found in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

Characteristics

Acinetobacter lwoffii is characterized by its ability to survive in a wide range of environments, including hospital settings, which makes it an opportunistic pathogen. It is a coccobacillus, meaning it has a shape intermediate between cocci (spherical) and bacilli (rod-shaped). The bacterium is known for its resistance to desiccation and its ability to persist on surfaces for extended periods.

Clinical Significance

While A. lwoffii is generally considered to be of low virulence, it can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying health conditions. Infections may include bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. It is important to note that A. lwoffii is less frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections compared to other Acinetobacter species, such as Acinetobacter baumannii.

Antibiotic Resistance

Acinetobacter lwoffii has shown resistance to multiple antibiotics, which poses a challenge in clinical settings. However, it is generally more susceptible to antibiotics than A. baumannii. The resistance mechanisms include the production of beta-lactamases and efflux pumps, which can lead to multidrug resistance.

Environmental Role

In the environment, A. lwoffii plays a role in the degradation of organic compounds and can be involved in bioremediation processes. Its ability to survive in diverse environments makes it an important organism for ecological studies.

Also see

• Acinetobacter baumannii
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Nosocomial infection
• Antibiotic resistance