Which organism is commonly associated with infections caused by invasive medical devices such as catheters or ventilators?

• A. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• B. Acinetobacter sp.
• C. Klebsiella pneumoniae
• D. Staphylococcus aureus

Answer: (B)

Infections tied to invasive devices are most often caused by organisms that persist on hospital surfaces and readily form biofilms on plastics found in catheters and ventilator circuits. Acinetobacter species, especially Acinetobacter baumannii, are notorious for causing device-associated infections in ICU patients. They adhere well to catheters and endotracheal tubes, form biofilms, and survive desiccation and disinfection, which makes catheter-related bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia more likely. Their ability to withstand antibiotics and persist in the hospital environment helps explain why they are a leading cause of infections linked to invasive devices. While other organisms can cause device-related infections, Acinetobacter is particularly linked to this setting.