[Bacteremia caused by Acinetobacter baumannii among patients in critical care]

Guadalupe Aguirre-Avalos1, Julio César Mijangos-Méndez, Martha Luz Zavala-Silva

  • 1Servicio de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. gaguirre@cencar.udg.mx

Gaceta Medica De Mexico
|March 5, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Acinetobacter baumannii blood infections (AbBI) are common in ICUs, often leading to severe sepsis and septic shock. These infections significantly increase patient mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii blood infections (AbBI) pose a significant threat in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
  • Understanding the epidemiology and clinical course of AbBI is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the severity and clinical course of Acinetobacter baumannii blood infections (AbBI).
  • To analyze the incidence, acquisition patterns, and mortality associated with AbBI in an ICU setting.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective review of all Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from an ICU.
  • Identification of patients with AbBI and analysis of their clinical data.
  • Assessment of infection acquisition time, clinical presentation, and mortality rates.

Main Results:

  • 46 patients had AbBI, with an incidence of 14 per 1,000 admissions; 85% were ICU-acquired.
  • Common presentations included septic shock (42%) and severe sepsis (42%); 17% of isolates were imipenem-resistant.
  • Mortality was high: 45% for AbBI alone, 40% for polymicrobial BI, and 60% for septic shock.

Conclusions:

  • AbBI demonstrated an endemic pattern in the studied ICU.
  • Severe sepsis and septic shock were the predominant clinical manifestations of AbBI.
  • AbBI significantly increased the mortality rate among ICU patients.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...