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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Characterizing Multidrug Efflux Systems in Acinetobacter baumannii Using an Efflux-Deficient Bacterial Strain and a Single-Copy Gene Expression System
05:06

Characterizing Multidrug Efflux Systems in Acinetobacter baumannii Using an Efflux-Deficient Bacterial Strain and a Single-Copy Gene Expression System

Published on: January 5, 2024

A multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in intensive care unit: antimicrobial and organizational

Guglielmo Consales1, Elena Gramigni1, Lucia Zamidei2

  • 1Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Misericordia e Dolce Hospital, piazza dell'Ospedale 5, 59100 Prato, Italy.

Journal of Critical Care
|March 29, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

An Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in an ICU was controlled with enhanced infection measures and tigecycline. Colistin was needed when resistance developed, highlighting the threat of pan-drug resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB) poses a significant threat in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Patient-to-patient transmission is a primary driver of MRAB outbreaks.
  • This study details an MRAB outbreak in a hospital ICU.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and analyze an MRAB outbreak in an ICU setting.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of infection control measures during the outbreak.
  • To assess antibiotic treatment strategies for MRAB infections.

Main Methods:

  • The study included MRAB-positive patients in a 2-room ICU.
  • Enhanced infection control protocols were implemented, including patient and environmental screening.
  • A 6-month follow-up was conducted to monitor for recurrence.

Main Results:

  • Four out of 26 patients were identified as MRAB positive, all located in one room.
  • No MRAB cases were detected in the second room or during follow-up.
  • Isolates were resistant to carbapenems but susceptible to tigecycline and colistin; tigecycline treatment was successful for two patients, with one developing resistance and requiring colistin.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced infection control and appropriate antibiotic use successfully limited the MRAB outbreak.
  • Tigecycline facilitated rapid recovery, but subsequent resistance necessitates colistin.
  • The emergence of pan-drug resistance remains a critical concern in managing MRAB infections.

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