The Association between Acinetobacter baumannii Bacteremia and Blood PH Imbalance in Critically ICU Patients

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most significant nosocomial infections, particularly in intensive care units, and has high illness and death rates. Abnormal blood pH (i.e., acidosis) is also a key indicator of disease severity and outcome in cases resulting from blood contamination. Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the association between blood pH disorders due to A. baumannii infection and antibiotic treatment with clinical outcomes in patients in the RICU. Material and Method: A Prospective observational study conducted in the respiratory critical care Unit, Najaf Teaching Hospital, from July 2024 to July 2025 on 44 cases that confirmed having had Acinetobacter baumannii. Blood samples were obtained for bacterial isolation, performed using conventional microbiological techniques in addition to the VITEK apparatus. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was carried out according to the CLSI/EUCAST guidelines. Blood acid-base status was determined by arterial blood gas analysis. The demographic details, the antibiotic used, and the pH status were documented. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 31, and a p-value