Fatal infection by Acinetobacter baumannii in Ramphastos toco (Muller, 1776)

Abstract

Acinetobater baumannii is a critically important bacterial pathogen due to its multidrug resistance and association with severe clinical conditions, including septicemia. Its presence in animal hosts and environmental reservoirs underscores the importance of a One Health approach. We describe a fatal case of pneumonia, pericarditis, and aerosaculitis in a juvenile Ramphastos toco infected with A. baumannii, in Brazil. Postmortem examination revealed multifocal necrotizing lesions in the lungs and air sacs, with Gram-negative coccobacilli confirmed as A. baumannii via MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. This report highlights the emerging threat of A. baumannii in wildlife populations and emphasizes the need for enhanced surveillance under a One Health framework.