Acinetobacter species are common in soils and waters. They are pleomorphic oxidase-negative, non-motile bacteria which usually appear as Gram-negative coccobacilli in pairs under the microscope. Species identification is possible using FLN (Flourescence-Lactose-Denitrification medium) acid test which determines the amount of acid produced from metabolizing glucose. Most members of Acinetobacter grow well on MacConkey agar with the exception of some A. lwoffii strains. Many species of Acinetobacter can cause infections of people. A. baumannii is the most frequently encountered species in the clinical laboratory and can be linked to many hospital acquired infections including skin and wound infections, pneumonia, and meningitis. A. lwoffi, in particular, is responsible for most cases of meningitis caused by Acinetobacter. Because most species are resistant to penicillin and chloramphenicol, a combination of aminoglycoside and ticarcillin is usually recommended for treatment. http://arch.rivm.nl/enemti/The%20genus%20Acinetobacter.htm