Importation of Acinetobacter baumannii into a burn unit: a recurrent outbreak of infection associated with widespread
Giorgio Zanetti1, Dominique S Blanc, Isabelle Federli
1Service of Hospital Preventive Medicine, the Service of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. Giorgio.Zanetti@chuv.ch
Abstract:
A burn patient was infected with Acinetobacter baumannii on transfer to the hospital after a terrorist attack. Two patients experienced cross-infection. Environmental swab samples were negative for A. baumannii. Six months later, the bacteria reemerged in 6 patients. Environmental swab samples obtained at this time were inoculated into a minimal mineral broth, and culture results showed widespread contamination. No case of infection occurred after closure of the unit for disinfection.
Insights
Acinetobacter baumannii infections reemerged in burn patients six months after initial cases. Disinfection and unit closure successfully eliminated the persistent bacterial contamination, preventing further infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant nosocomial pathogen, particularly in intensive care units.
- Burn patients are highly susceptible to infections due to compromised skin integrity.
- The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains poses a substantial challenge in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reemergence of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in a hospital unit.
- To identify the source and transmission routes of the persistent bacterial contamination.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of environmental disinfection and unit closure in controlling the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Case identification and epidemiological investigation of Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
- Environmental sampling using swab techniques to detect bacterial presence.
- Microbiological culture and analysis of environmental samples to identify contamination.
- Implementation of unit closure and thorough disinfection protocols.
Main Results:
- Initial environmental samples were negative, but Acinetobacter baumannii reemerged six months later in six patients.
- Subsequent environmental sampling revealed widespread contamination.
- Closure of the unit for disinfection led to the complete cessation of new infections.
Conclusions:
- Persistent environmental contamination can lead to the reemergence of Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
- Thorough disinfection and temporary unit closure are effective strategies for controlling Acinetobacter baumannii outbreaks.
- Environmental hygiene and surveillance are critical for preventing nosocomial infections in vulnerable patient populations.
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