Community-Acquired Meningoencephalitis Caused by Acinetobacter lwoffii: A Rare Clinical Case

Introduction. Acinetobacter lwoffii is a rare cause of bacterial meningitis, particularly in immunocompetent individuals without prior healthcare exposure. To date, only a very limited number of cases have been documented in the literature. Case Report. A 17-year-old male patient presented with fever, severe headache, meningeal irritation, and neurological symptoms. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed neutrophilic pleocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers. Phenotypic analysis with the Vitek 2C system identified the cerebrospinal fluid isolate as A. lwoffii. Empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated and subsequently adjusted based on sensitivity testing, improving clinical and laboratory parameters. Conclusions. This case highlights the pathogenic potential of A. lwoffii to cause severe central nervous system infections in healthy individuals. It emphasizes the importance of early microbiological diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy. The clinical picture, diagnostic approach, treatment strategy, and outcome are discussed in relation to the existing evidence.