ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII IN A CALF, RELEVANCE TO ONE HEALTH: A CASE REPORT. YASMIN DO NASCIMENTO VENTURA / Beatriz dos Santos Munaretti - Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR)

Resumo

Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative coccobacillus of great clinical relevance in human and veterinary medicine. It is an opportunistic pathogen, mainly associated with hospital infections. Its importance is linked to its high capacity to survive adverse environmental conditions, remaining viable on contaminated surfaces and equipment. In addition, the species has a wide potential for resistance to different classes of antimicrobials, which makes treatment mor e difficult and favors its dissemination. The objective of this work was to describe the main epidemiological, etiological and pathophysiological characteristics of A. baumannii, as well as to report a clinical case in a veterinary hospital setting. Emphasis was also given to the antimicrobial resistance profile and the importance of an integrated approach in One Health. The material and methods were based on a review of scientific literature on the agent and a descriptive report of a clinical case involvin g a calf treated at a university veterinary hospital. Clinical and supportive therapeutic assessments were performed, in addition to collecting samples for microbiological analysis and conducting an antimicrobial susceptibility test (antibiogram). The obje ctive was to identify the etiological agent and guide therapeutic management. The report indicates that the calf initially presented with omphalophlebitis associated with dehydration and respiratory signs consistent with aspiration pneumonia. During follow -up, therapeutic measures were adopted, such as empirical antibiotic therapy, fluid therapy, nebulization, and local umbilical care. Subsequently, microbiological culture confirmed the presence of Acinetobacter baumannii, with a multidrug-resistant profile and restricted sensitivity to amikacin. After therapeutic adjustment according to the antibiogram, favorable clinical evolution was observed, with improved appetite and reduction of systemic signs. With the necessary support and after a long period of hos pitalization, the patient showed improvement and was discharged. It is concluded that A. baumannii represents a major therapeutic challenge in veterinary medicine due to its antimicrobial resistance, its persistence in the environment, and its ability to s pread in hospital settings. The case of the calf reinforces the importance of accurate microbiological diagnosis, the rational use of antimicrobials, and the adoption of rigorous biosecurity measures for the control of this agent.