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Achromobacter xylosoxidans in hospital environments: still waters run deep!
Karine Marion-Sanchez1, Claude Olive2, Marie-Georges Platon2
1CHU Martinique, Department of Hospital Hygiene, F-97200 Fort-de-France, Martinique.
Background:
Hospital reservoirs of Achromobacter xylosoxidans, responsible for nosocomial infections, are poorly known.
Methods:
We examined the growth, survival and biofilm formation of five A. xylosoxidans strains for up to 2 y in distilled, dialysis or microfiltered water. Each strain was inoculated at 102 CFU/ml without adding nutrients.
Results:
All strains grew at a level of 3x103 to 1.5x107 CFU/ml; each strain showed a preferred water type. Strains isolated from quaternary ammoniums showed the highest ability to grow and form biofilms in nutrient-poor waters.
Conclusion:
Medical waters and notably sterile distilled water bottles appear to be long-lasting reservoirs of A. xylosoxidans.
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