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Updated: May 16, 2026
Rapid and Specific Detection of Acinetobacter baumannii Infections Using a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification/Cas12a-based System
Published on: April 25, 2025
Epidemiological investigation of nosocomial infection with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
S M El-Ageery1, M A Abo-Shadi, A A Alghaithy
1Medical Laboratories Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, (MRAB) is an important cause of hospital acquired infection.
Aim:
To document the emergence of MRAB in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU); and to characterize its hospital-wide outbreak by investigating antibiotypes and genotypes.
Materials And Methods:
A six-month prospective study for the presence of MRAB infection or colonization on inpatients, health care workers and environmental sites was done at an ICU in Fahd Hospital, Saudi Arabia. For all the collected specimens, microbiological analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using an automated system (Phoenix, Becton Dickinson, USA) were performed. Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was done to determine the clonal relationship between isolates.
Results:
A total 18 MRAB were isolated from 12 patients and 3 environmental samples. The risk factors for the acquisition of infection were age less than 60 years, mechanical ventilation, surgical interference and co-morbidity. Five PFGE profiles; pulsotype A to E, were identified. Pulsotype C isolates were further separated into 5 subtypes with predominance of subtype C3.
Conclusions:
The study revealed a causal link between the contaminated ventilator and the subsequent MRAB. A correct antibiotic strategy should be addressed; and strict compliance with basic and potential control measures for the containment of infection should be achieved.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB) emerged in an ICU, linked to contaminated ventilators. Genotyping identified specific MRAB strains, highlighting the need for strict infection control measures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB) is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- The emergence and spread of MRAB pose a substantial threat in healthcare settings, particularly in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the emergence of MRAB within an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- To characterize the hospital-wide outbreak of MRAB by investigating its antibiotypes and genotypes.
Main Methods:
- A six-month prospective study was conducted in an ICU to detect MRAB infection or colonization.
- Microbiological analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) were employed.
- Samples were collected from inpatients, healthcare workers, and environmental sites.
Main Results:
- Eighteen MRAB isolates were identified from 12 patients and 3 environmental samples.
- Risk factors for MRAB acquisition included younger age, mechanical ventilation, surgery, and co-morbidity.
- Five distinct PFGE profiles (pulsotypes A-E) were observed, with subtype C3 being predominant.
Conclusions:
- A direct link was established between contaminated ventilators and MRAB transmission.
- Effective antibiotic strategies and stringent adherence to infection control measures are crucial for MRAB containment.
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