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Hospital outbreak of multi-resistant Acinetobacter anitratus: an airborne mode of spread?
Abstract:
During a 10-month period, from October 1984 to July 1985, a multi-resistant strain of Acinetobacter anitratus was isolated from 36 patients in three neurosurgical wards, one medical ward and the intensive care unit of a district general hospital, and from two patients in the intensive care unit of a hospital in another district. Fourteen patients developed significant infection including pneumonia (10), meningitis (2), septicaemia (2) and wound infection (4). The majority of cases (28) involved the respiratory tract of ventilated patients, although respiratory equipment was not implicated as a source of the infection. The epidemic strain was recovered from the skin, nose, mouth and rectum of colonized patients and from the hands of personnel. However, extensive air and environmental contamination in the vicinity of colonized patients was also demonstrated. This is the first outbreak of infection with Acinetobacter, of which we are aware, where airborne spread has been observed.
Insights
A multi-resistant Acinetobacter anitratus strain caused infections in 36 patients over 10 months. Airborne spread was observed, highlighting a new transmission route for this resistant bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Acinetobacter anitratus is a significant nosocomial pathogen.
- Multi-resistant strains pose a growing threat in healthcare settings.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of multi-resistant Acinetobacter anitratus.
- To identify the source and transmission routes of the epidemic strain.
- To document the clinical manifestations of Acinetobacter infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data over a 10-month period.
- Microbiological surveillance for Acinetobacter anitratus.
- Environmental and personnel sampling to identify reservoirs and transmission pathways.
Main Results:
- 36 patients were colonized or infected with a multi-resistant Acinetobacter anitratus strain.
- 14 patients developed significant infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia.
- Airborne transmission was identified as a significant factor, alongside patient colonization and personnel contact.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first observed outbreak of Acinetobacter infection involving airborne spread.
- Effective infection control strategies must address airborne transmission in addition to direct contact.
- The multi-resistant nature of the strain necessitates vigilant surveillance and prompt intervention.