Epidemiological situation, laboratory capacity and preparedness for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Europe, 2019

Abstract

To update information on the epidemiological situation and national capacity for detection, surveillance and containment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) in Europe, we performed a survey in 37 countries. Nine countries reported regional or inter-regional spread and seven an endemic situation. Laboratories with a reference function, surveillance systems, and a national containment plan for CRAb existed in 30, 23 and eight countries, respectively. A pan-European molecular survey would provide in-depth understanding of the CRAb epidemiology. To better understand the current epidemiological situation of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) in Europe and the surveillance and control activities in invididual countries, we conducted a survey in 37 countries. The main aims were (i) to update the information about the epidemiological stages of spread of CRAb in Europe, and (ii) to assess the current national capacity for laboratory detection, identification and characterisation, surveillance and containment of CRAb.