Elimination of an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a burn unit

Am J Infect Control. 2025 Jan;53(1):160-162. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.10.002. Epub 2024 Oct 10.

Abstract

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen which has caused numerous health care-associated outbreaks particularly in intensive care and burn units. We describe an outbreak in a burn unit where 3 patients were identified as being colonized or infected with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. A multifaceted approach and rapid implementation of infection prevention measures were effective in identification and removal of potential environmental reservoirs resulting in the prevention of further transmission.

Keywords: CRAB; Nosocomial transmission; Outbreak investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter Infections* / epidemiology
  • Acinetobacter Infections* / microbiology
  • Acinetobacter Infections* / prevention & control
  • Acinetobacter baumannii* / drug effects
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Burn Units*
  • Burns / epidemiology
  • Burns / microbiology
  • Carbapenems* / pharmacology
  • Cross Infection* / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection* / microbiology
  • Cross Infection* / prevention & control
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infection Control* / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • beta-Lactam Resistance*

Substances

  • Carbapenems
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents