Aerosolization of Acinetobacter baumannii in a trauma ICU*

Crit Care Med. 2013 Aug;41(8):1915-8. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e31828a39c0.

Abstract

Objective: To establish the presence of air contamination with Acinetobacter baumannii in the trauma ICU.

Design: Point prevalence microbiological surveillances.

Settings: A 1,500-bed public teaching hospital in the Miami metro area.

Patients: Trauma ICU patients.

Measurements: Pulsed field electrophoresis was performed on environmental and clinical isolates to determine the association of any isolates from the air with clinical isolates.

Main results: Out of 53 patient areas cultured, 12 (22.6%) had their air positive for A. baumannii. The presence of an A. baumannii-positive patient (underneath the plate) was associated with positive air cultures for A. baumannii (11 of 21 [52.4%] vs 0 of 25 [0%]; p < 0.0001). However, we were not able to find differences in air contamination based on the presence of A. baumannii in respiratory secretions versus absence (p = 1.0). Air and clinical isolates were found to be clonally related.

Conclusions: Aerosolization of A. baumannii in the ICUs is a concern, and its role in the transmission of this organism among patients should be further clarified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter Infections / epidemiology
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / genetics
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / isolation & purification*
  • Air Microbiology*
  • Carbapenems / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Multilocus Sequence Typing
  • Patients' Rooms
  • Trauma Centers*
  • Ventilation

Substances

  • Carbapenems