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Author Spotlight: A Comprehensive Protocol for Acinetobacter Biofilm Quantification, Assessment, and Visualization
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Management and control of a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in an intensive care unit

S Alfandari1, J Gois1, P-Y Delannoy1

  • 1Service de réanimation et des maladies infectieuses, centre hospitalier de Tourcoing, 155, rue du Président-Coty, 59208 Tourcoing cedex, France.

Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses
|May 21, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) outbreaks in ICUs are challenging to control. Unexpected sources, like blood pressure cuff Velcro, can prolong colonization and transmission, requiring novel disinfection strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) poses a significant threat in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Outbreaks necessitate robust infection control measures to prevent transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the identification and management of a 14-clonal CRAB outbreak.
  • To investigate the source and control strategies for a persistent CRAB outbreak.

Main Methods:

  • Review of patient records and outbreak management protocols.
  • Implementation of enhanced isolation, cohording, and environmental decontamination.
  • Environmental sampling and targeted interventions based on suspected sources.

Main Results:

  • An outbreak of 14-clonal CRAB occurred despite initial stringent infection control measures.
  • Multiple rounds of decontamination, including hydrogen peroxide treatment, were ineffective.
  • The outbreak ceased after identifying and changing the disinfection protocol for blood pressure cuffs.

Conclusions:

  • CRAB outbreaks are notoriously difficult to manage in ICUs.
  • Unexpected fomites, such as blood pressure cuff Velcro, can serve as persistent sources of CRAB colonization and transmission.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter baumanniiMultidrug resistanceMultirésistanceOutbreakÉpidémie

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