Acinetobacter infection in hospital

Acinetobacter shares several features with other forms of gram-negative infection. Bacteremic patients present with fever and hypotension; patients rarely are asymptomatic. It is now recognized that Acinetobacter strains play significant role in colonization and infection of patients admitted to hospital intensive care units (ICUs).

The predominant sites of Acinetobacter nosocomial infections have varied with time in early observations, urinary tract infections were predominantly in ICUs.

They may be recovered from the hospital environment, from colonized or infected patients and from the hands of staff.

Acinetobacter has been isolated from various types of opportunistic infection, including septicemia, pneumonia, endocarditis, meningitis, skin and wound sepsis, and urinary tract infection.

These organisms are frequently pandrug-resistant and are capable of causing substantial morbidity and mortality on patients with severe underlying disease, both in hospital and in the community.

Several factors are associated with occurrence of Acinetobacter infection:
*Factors related to the environment, previously contaminated by the organism – contaminated materials, mattresses, ventilators, water bath
*Factors related to the patients – age, prolonged hospitalization
*The role of selective pressure of antibiotics

Inadequate de contamination of ventilator equipment and infrequent changing of gloves by personnel have been identified as the cause of the outbreaks.

A pediatric outbreak of Acinetobacter bacteremia has been associated with contaminant air conditioner with aerosohzation of the organism.
Acinetobacter infections in hospital 

Acinetobacter infection

Acinetobacter is a group of gram positive, nonmotile bacteria most commonly found in the soil or water.

This bacterium has been isolated from various types of opportunistic infection. Various factors predisposing to severe infections, such as underlying disease, malignancy, burns or major surgery, have been indentified and are common to many other pathogens.

Acinetobacter most often colonize patients in intensive care units, particularly those with devices such as endotracheal tubes, indwelling urinary catheters, intravascular catheters or surgical drains.

Risk factors include recent surgery, antibiotic therapy, and immunosuppresion. Patients with serious underlying illnesses can become colonized rapidly with Acinetobacter from highly contaminated environment.

Acinetobacter is primarily spread from person to person and from fomites, such as medical equipment. It is possible that aerosolization is a route of exposure.

Acinetobacter spp can cause infection in virtually every organ system: septicemia, urinary tract infections, eye infections, meningitis, skin infections, pneumonia and endocarditis.
Acinetobacter infection