Unusual Case of Nosocomial Empyema Caused by Acinetobacter baumannii in Previously Healthy Patients

Abstract Acinetobacter baumannii is an uncommon pathogen in nosocomial empyema, particularly in patients without predisposing conditions. We report the case of a 55-year-old male with no comorbidities who developed empyema during hospitalization for soft tissue infection. Initial imaging revealed no pulmonary involvement. On the eighth day, the patient developed hospital-acquired pneumonia, which progressed to empyema. Cultures from bronchoscopy revealed carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii. Despite receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics and intensive care, the patient died. This case highlights the importance of considering multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter in nosocomial infections, even in previously healthy individuals. It also underscores the critical global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.