Protocol for a survey of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Europe

The protocol describes actions for hospitals and clinical microbiology laboratories to conduct a survey that aims to map the occurrence, geographic distribution and resistance characteristics of CRAb isolates. 

The survey also aims to help countries enhance their capacities for detecting and controlling infections caused by CRAb. This includes strengthening national capabilities for implementing advanced genetic techniques to monitor CRAb and understanding the factors that lead to CRAb infections. 

The survey protocol will be accompanied by a laboratory manual aimed at professionals working in clinical laboratories, including reference laboratories.

Once completed, the survey results will inform national and European CRAb preparedness, prevention and control activities.

The survey, conducted through ECDC’s European Antimicrobial Resistance Genes Surveillance Network (EURGen-Net), will take place between October 2024 and June 2025. 

CRAb is recognised by the World Health Organization as an antimicrobial-resistant pathogen of critical priority. CRAb infections are difficult to treat because these pathogens are usually resistant to not only carbapenems but to many other antimicrobial agents and the remaining options for treatment are limited. 

ECDC estimates that in 2019 there were nearly 60 000 infections with CRAb in hospitals in the EU/EEA and over 2700 deaths directly attributable to CRAb infections.

Infections with CRAb, usually healthcare-associated infections, commonly occur in patients with severe underlying diseases, mainly in intensive care units, and are often related to invasive procedures or indwelling devices. However, such infections are increasingly being reported in patients admitted to conventional medical and surgical wards. CRAb, and in general Acinetobacter baumannii, is difficult to eradicate once it has become endemic in a ward or a hospital.