Large increase in bloodstream infections with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter species during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, EU/EEA, 2020 and 2021

Recent data from the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net) show a large increase of +57% in Acinetobacter species bloodstream infections in the European Union and European Economic Area in the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) compared with 2018-2019. Most were resistant to carbapenems, from intensive care units, and in countries with & GE; 50% carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter spp. in 2018-2019. This highlights the requirement for reinforced Acinetobact er preparedness and infection prevention and control in Europe.

Automated summary

Recent data from EARS-Net reveals a significant increase (+57%) in Acinetobacter species bloodstream infections during the COVID-19 pandemic in the European Union and European Economic Area. Carbapenem resistance was observed in the majority of these infections, which were predominantly found in intensive care units and countries with high levels of carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter spp. in 2018-2019. This highlights the need for enhanced preparedness and infection prevention and control measures for Acinetobacter in Europe.