Post-traumatic Acinetobacter baumannii Meningitis Following Penetrating Trauma: A Case Report

This report details the case of a 29-year-old male patient who presented at a tertiary-level trauma centre with multiple stab wounds to the face, chest, and back. Despite not undergoing surgical intervention or exhibiting any apparent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage during the initial evaluation. The patient's condition deteriorated, with subsequent cultures from CSF and blood confirmed extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) meningitis. Imaging revealed a spinal canal breach with abscess formation, necessitating targeted antibiotic therapy and neurosurgical debridement. This case highlights the potential challenges in diagnosing and managing A. baumannii meningitis, especially in trauma patients. Early recognition of risk factors, thorough clinical examination and multidisciplinary care were crucial for clinical improvement. The case also highlights the critical need for robust infection control measures to address the rising threat of XDR pathogens in healthcare settings.