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Quantification, Viability Assessment, and Visualization Strategies for Acinetobacter Biofilms
Published on: August 4, 2023
[Emerging Acinetobacter baumannii infections and factors favouring their occurrence]
M Eveillard1, M-L Joly-Guillou
1Laboratoire de bactériologie-hygiène, centre hospitalier universitaire d'Angers, 4, rue Larrey, 49933 Angers cedex 9, France. MaEveillard@chu-angers.fr
Abstract:
During the last decade, Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) has been increasingly responsible for infections occurring in three particular contexts (in terms of patients and environment). Community AB pneumonia is severe infections, mainly described around the Indian Ocean, and which mainly concern patients with major co-morbidities. AB is also responsible for infections occurring among soldiers wounded in action during operations conducted in Iraq or Afghanistan. Lastly, this bacterium is responsible for infections occurring among casualties from natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Those infections are often due to multidrug-resistant strains, which can be implicated in nosocomial outbreaks when patients are hospitalized in a local casualty department or during their repatriation thereafter. The source of the contaminations which lead to AB infections following injuries (warfare or natural disasters) is still poorly known. Three hypotheses are usually considered: a contamination of wounds with environmental bacteria, a wound contamination from a previous cutaneous or oropharyngeal endogenous reservoir, or hospital acquisition. The implication of telluric or agricultural primary reservoirs in human AB infections is a common hypothesis which remains to be demonstrated by further specifically designed studies.
Insights
Acinetobacter baumannii causes severe pneumonia and wound infections, particularly in vulnerable populations and disaster survivors. Its origins, especially environmental links, require further investigation to prevent outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) infections have increased globally.
- AB is associated with severe community-acquired pneumonia, military wounds, and disaster casualties.
- Multidrug-resistant strains are a significant concern, leading to nosocomial outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and potential sources of Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
- To highlight the challenges in managing infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains.
- To identify knowledge gaps regarding the environmental reservoirs of AB.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
- Analysis of infection contexts: community pneumonia, warfare injuries, natural disasters.
- Discussion of potential contamination sources: environmental, endogenous, hospital-acquired.
Main Results:
- Acinetobacter baumannii infections occur in distinct patient groups and environments.
- Multidrug resistance complicates treatment and facilitates outbreak spread.
- The precise origin of AB in wound infections remains largely undetermined.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to elucidate the role of environmental reservoirs in Acinetobacter baumannii pathogenesis.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for preventing infections in high-risk settings.
- Targeted studies are required to confirm hypotheses about telluric or agricultural sources.
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