Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Replication of the Ordered, Nonredundant Library of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA14 Transposon Insertion Mutants
11:35

Replication of the Ordered, Nonredundant Library of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA14 Transposon Insertion Mutants

Published on: May 4, 2018

Colonization pressure as a risk factor for colonization by multiresistant Acinetobacter spp and carbapenem-resistant

Mirian Freitas DalBen1, Mariusa Basso, Cilmara Polido Garcia

  • 1Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Department of Infectious Diseases and LIM 54, São Paulo/SPSP, Brazil.

Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|September 17, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Colonization pressure significantly increases the risk of acquiring carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and multiresistant Acinetobacter spp. in ICUs. High colonization pressure may overwhelm standard hand hygiene protocols.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Intensive care units (ICUs) face challenges with multidrug-resistant organisms.
  • Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. are significant threats in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors contributing to colonization by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and multiresistant Acinetobacter spp.
  • To evaluate the impact of interventions on the spread of these resistant bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Surveillance cultures were obtained from ICU patients at admission, day 3, and weekly.
  • Colonization pressure, hand hygiene compliance, and patient risk factors were assessed.
  • Interventions included staff education and alcohol-based hand rub availability.

Main Results:

  • Colonization pressure and incidence of resistant pathogens increased throughout the study.
  • APACHE II score, preceding colonization pressure, and male gender were independent risk factors.
  • A 1% increase in colonization pressure correlated with a 2% rise in colonization risk.

Conclusions:

  • Colonization pressure is a critical determinant for acquiring carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and multiresistant A. baumannii.
  • Intensive hand hygiene efforts may be insufficient when colonization pressure is high.

More Related Videos

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice15:43

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice

Published on: March 17, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...