Acinetobacter and Potential Exposure Risks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Acinetobacter as a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, like in soil and water. While there are many types, the most common cause of infections in humans is Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii can cause infections in the blood, urinary tract and lungs (pneumonia), or in wounds in other parts of the body. It can also colonize or live in a patient without causing infections or symptoms, especially in respiratory secretions (sputum) or open wounds reports the CDC.

As recently as 2017, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter caused an estimated 8,500 infections in hospitalized patients and 700 estimated deaths in the United States alone. Those most at risk of infection according to the CDC include patients in hospitals, especially those who:
• are on breathing machines (ventilators)
• have devices such as catheters
• have open wounds from surgery
• are in intensive care units
• have prolonged hospital stays

The agency warns that Acinetobacter can live for long periods of time on environmental surfaces and shared equipment if they are not properly cleaned. The bacteria can spread from one person to another through contact with these contaminated surfaces or equipment, or though person to person spread - often via contaminated hands. CDC advises that in addition to hand hygiene, healthcare providers should pay careful attention to recommended infection control practices, including rigorous environmental cleaning (e.g., cleaning of patient rooms and shared equipment), to reduce the risk of spreading these germs to patients.

These are just a few of the many things to know about Acinetobacter and potential exposure risks. To learn more about this or other infection control, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

Clark Seif Clark https://www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. https://www.emsl.com
LA Testing https://www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental https://www.zimmetry.com
CTSI https://www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine https://www.healthyindoors.com