Nosocomial outbreaks caused by Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Results of a systematic review

In view of the large outbreaks of infection by Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, researchers sought to determine risk factors for the occurrence and appropriate infection control measures.

They observed that Acinetobacter outbreaks were mainly reported from intensive care units, after use of antibiotics and during mechanical ventilation. Outbreaks caused by P. aeruginosa affected intensive care units (ICUs) and peripheral wards equally.

In Acinetobacter outbreaks, mortality was twice as high as in Pseudomonas outbreaks. The mortality rates were not influenced by resistance profiles of either pathogen. These findings should support staff in Infection Control Departments and on wards if an outbreak is suspected.

They here suggested the necessity for better adherence to the Outbreak Reports and Intervention Studies of Nosocomial Infection guidelines in outbreak reporting.