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Turning the Tide Against Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii : Advancing Care With Sulbactam–Durlobactam

Michael Joseph Satlin, Ryan K. Shields, Antoní Torres, Glenn Tillotson

Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2025

196 participants · 7 citations

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that presents significant challenges in healthcare settings, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs) and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs). It is among the leading nosocomial pathogens associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ranking as the 10th most frequently reported pathogen in ICUs, where it accounted for 3.2% of cases. In LTACHs, it plays an even more prominent role, ranking 4th and contributing to 6.6% of VAP cases [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) as a critical priority pathogen due to its extensive antimicrobial resistance, the limited treatment options, and global health impact [2–4]. This paper explores the clinical and epidemiological aspects of A. baumannii, the challenges posed by existing therapies, and the emergence of sulbactam–durlobactam (SUL/DUR) as a promising therapeutic option. The global epidemiology of A. baumannii reflects its position as a leading cause of nosocomial infections and a critical public health challenge due to its rapid acquisition of multidrug resistance (MDR). CRAB is particularly concerning, with its prevalence intensifying in several regions globally. The Mediterranean region remains a significant hotspot, where over 90% of clinical isolates demonstrate carbapenem resistance [5]. Indeed, similar data are reported from various parts of the world as can be seen in Figure 1. Global…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 196 participants or records.

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