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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Quantification, Viability Assessment, and Visualization Strategies for Acinetobacter Biofilms
Published on: August 4, 2023
[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
Objective:
Determine the severity and the course of Acinetobacter baumannii blood infections (AbBI).
Methods:
We carried out a prospective review of all Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) isolated from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a medical facility.
Results:
During the study period, 46 patients were identified with AbBI. The rate of AbBI was 14 per 1,000 admissions. A. baumannii was ICU acquired in 85% of cases studied. The median time frame between ICU admission and acquisition of AbBI was 9 +/- 7 days. 31 patients displayed blood infection (BI) by A. baumannii alone and 15 with polymicrobial BI. The clinical manifestation of the 31 patients with AbBI included the following symptoms: 42% presented with septic shock, 42% had severe sepsis and 16% had sepsis. Two or more episodes of AbBI were observed among 13% of patients. Of A. baumannii isolates, 17% were resistant to imipenem. Patient mortality with AbBI alone was 45% and 40% for polymicrobial BI. Patient mortality for septic shock was 60%, 70% died during the first 72 hrs after AbBI.
Conclusions:
AbBI displayed an endemic pattern during the study period. Severe sepsis and septic shock were the most common clinical presentations of AbBI. AbBI are associated with a significant increase in the death rate of patient in the ICU studied.
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.
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