Treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Severe carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections pose significant treatment challenges due to inherent and acquired resistance mechanisms, host factors, and inadequate drug coverage. Current treatment options include high doses of ampicillin-sulbactam or tigecycline, with new drugs like durlobactam and cefiderocol potentially being effective salvage treatments. Bacteriophages and antimicrobial peptides may also be used in the future. Combining antimicrobial regimens, such as colistin, with new drugs, can alleviate or prevent CRAB infections, shorten hospital stays, and reduce patient mortality.