Elimination of healthcare associated Acinetobacter baumannii infection in a highly endemic region

Abstract

This paper describes the elimination of healthcare-associated Acinetobacter baumannii infections in a highly endemic region. A prospective, observational study was performed between October 2012 and October 2017. Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated from 59 patients, and >95% similarity was demonstrated among isolates of seven patients (DiversiLab™, BioMérieux). Carbapenemase activity was detected in 15 of 17 (88%) isolates, and all were OXA-23 type. The control of Acinetobacter baumannii outbreaks can be achieved by close follow-up supported by molecular techniques, strict application of infection control measures, and isolation of transferred patients.