Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Ventriculostomy-Related Infection, Treated by a Colistin, Tigecycline, and Intraventricular Fibrinolysis

Background Acinetobacter baumannii meningitis and ventriculitis are difficult issues, because of the low diffusion of antibiotics in the cerebrospinal fluid and bacterial multidrug resistance. The presence of an infected intraventricular hematoma, constituting an equivalent of undrained abscess, may promote biofilm formation and failure of medical treatment. Case description In this case of ventriculostomy-related infection after ventricular hemorrhage, Acinetobacter baumannii was sensitive only to colistin and tigecycline. Despite a combination therapy involving intraventricular injections of colistin, we observed clinical and bacteriologic failure. Therefore, at day 4 of antibiotic therapy, we performed intraventricular fibrinolysis, which dissolved the clot, enabling sterilization of the cerebrospinal fluid after 48 hours. Conclusion This clinical case suggests the usefulness of intraventricular fibrinolysis to lyse the clot and optimize the action of antibiotics.