Acinetobacter

Pronunciation: as-i-ne′tō-bak′ter

Definition: A genus of nonmotile, aerobic bacteria (family Moraxellaceae) containing gram-negative or -variable coccoid or short rods, or cocci, often occurring in pairs. Spores are not produced. These bacteria grow on ordinary media without the addition of serum. They are oxidase negative and catalase positive; carbohydrates are oxidized or not attacked at all, and arginine dihydrolase is not produced. They are a frequent cause of nosocomial infections; often resistant to many antibiotics, they can also cause severe primary infections in immunocompromised people. The type species is Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.

Synonym(s): Lingelsheimia

Search Stedman's Medical Dictionary