Advances in automated techniques to identify Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii complex

Acinetobacter species, particularly those within Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–A. baumannii complex (ACB complex), have emerged as clinically relevant pathogens in hospital environments worldwide. Early and quick detection and identification of Acinetobacter infections is challenging, and traditional culture and biochemical methods may not achieve adequate levels of speciation. Moreover, currently available techniques to identify and differentiate closely related Acinetobacter species are insufficient. The objective of this review is to recapitulate the current evolution in phenotypic and automated techniques used to identify the ACB complex. Compared with other automated or semiautomated systems of bacterial identification, matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) demonstrates a high level of Acinetobacter species identification and discrimination, including newly discovered species A. seifertii and A. dijkshoorniae.