Comparison of Environmental and Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Strains

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Phenotypical Comparison between Environmental and Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Isolated from an Intensive Care Unit
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Saliha Lydia Boulesnam, Fella Hamaidi-Chergui, Mounia Benamara, Sihem Azrou


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Phenotypical Comparison between Environmental and Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Isolated from an Intensive Care Unit

Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.4.8

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an oxidase-negative coccobacillus that causes a range of serious nosocomial infections, particularly in critically ill patients within intensive care units (ICUs). This bacterium has emerged as a major global health concern due to its increasing antibiotic resistance and ability to form biofilms, which complicate treatment and infection control measures. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii poses a significant threat in hospital settings, necessitating thorough surveillance and stringent infection control practices.

Multidrug Resistance and Biofilm Formation

The study assessed the prevalence of A. baumannii in both environmental and clinical samples collected from an ICU in Algiers, Algeria. Among a total of 166 samples, the research revealed an alarming level of antibiotic resistance, with over 80% of isolates demonstrating resistance to most antibiotics tested. Furthermore, both environmental and clinical strains exhibited a high capacity for biofilm formation—key factors that contribute to persistent infections within healthcare settings. This capacity for biofilm production, alongside the high rates of multidrug resistance, raises concerns regarding A. baumannii's ability to survive on surfaces and medical equipment, serving as a reservoir for potential cross-contamination and outbreaks.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced disinfection and cleaning protocols in ICUs to mitigate the risk of MDR A. baumannii transmission. Given the study's demonstration of significant similarities in resistance profiles and biofilm-forming potential between environmental and clinical isolates, it is imperative that hospitals implement rigorous surveillance and infection control measures. These strategies are essential to prevent the spread of drug-resistant infections, ensuring patient safety and effective infection management in healthcare environments.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the primary focus of the study?

The study assesses the prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii in the ICU environment, comparing antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation of environmental isolates with those from ICU patients.

What methods were used for sample collection and analysis?

A total of 166 non-duplicate samples were collected from ICU settings. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using disc diffusion and MIC methods, while biofilm production was evaluated using tube and crystal violet microtitre plate methods.

What were the significant findings regarding antibiotic resistance?

The study found over 80% resistance to multiple antibiotics in both environmental and clinical A. baumannii isolates, indicating high levels of multidrug resistance and highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.

What conclusions were drawn regarding environmental A. baumannii?

The results indicate that the ICU environment is a reservoir for multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, emphasizing the importance of thorough disinfection and heightened infection control protocols to prevent cross-transmission.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Comparison of Environmental and Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Strains”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
Table refers to a structured representation of data, typically in rows and columns, allowing for easier comparison and analysis of variable attributes. In the context of a scientific study, tables often summarize findings such as the prevalence of bacteria, resistance rates, and statistical analysis results in an organized manner.

2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are powerful medications that fight bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. Understanding their effectiveness is crucial in studies focused on pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii, which is known for resistance; this research helps inform treatment protocols and combat antibiotic-resistant infections in clinical settings.

3) Study (Studying):
A study is a systematic investigation or examination of a particular phenomenon, seeking to prove or disprove hypotheses through methodical research. In this context, the study evaluates the prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii in an ICU setting, assessing its antibiotic resistance, biofilm production, and implications for patient health.

4) Surface:
Surface reference in this context pertains to the external areas where bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii can adhere and possibly thrive. These surfaces, including medical instruments and hospital equipment, are critical in understanding how pathogens spread and persist in clinical environments, directly impacting infection control measures.

5) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the process by which pathogens spread from one host to another or to surfaces. In infection control, understanding transmission dynamics is critical for preventing outbreaks of multidrug-resistant organisms like Acinetobacter baumannii, informing strategies for environmental disinfection and enhanced clinical practices in hospitals.

6) Beta:
Beta in microbiology often refers to beta-lactam antibiotics, a class that includes penicillins and cephalosporins, crucial in treating bacterial infections. Research on bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii highlights resistance mechanisms against these antibiotics, emphasizing the need for alternative therapies and understanding bacterial adaptation in clinical scenarios.

7) Pari:
Though typically not a standalone term in scientific literature, Pari could refer to specific studies, strains, or concepts within a specific research community. In the context of this document, it’s pivotal to recognize the contributions of various authors to discussions surrounding antibiotic resistance and clinical implications.

8) Similarity:
Similarity in research refers to the degree of resemblance between two or more entities, such as clinical and environmental strains of bacteria. Establishing similarities in resistance patterns can indicate common sources or pathways of infection, providing insights into transmission dynamics and guiding targeted prevention strategies in healthcare settings.

9) Water:
Water is essential for life and serves as a critical medium in microbiological studies. In the context of Acinetobacter baumannii, understanding water's role in bacterial survival in hospital environments underlines its importance in infection control, particularly concerning disinfectant efficacy and contamination sources in healthcare facilities.

10) Rules:
Rules pertain to the established guidelines and protocols that govern laboratory procedures, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Guidelines from organizations like Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) provide frameworks that ensure standardization, reliability, and comparability of results, crucial for accurate assessment of bacterial resistance patterns.

11) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the human body, often a target for pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii, which can cause severe infections such as bacteremia. Evaluating the prevalence of such infections in blood samples aids in the understanding of transmission routes and patient risk profiles in clinical settings.

12) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of a disease. In the context of the study on Acinetobacter baumannii, the focus is on the drug's susceptibility and resistance patterns, ultimately aiding in the development of effective treatment strategies against this multidrug-resistant pathogen.

13) Performance:
Performance in a scientific context often refers to how well a particular method, treatment, or microorganism behaves under specific conditions. In the study of antibiotic resistance, assessing the performance of different drugs against Acinetobacter baumannii can provide insights into effective treatment options and inform clinical decision-making processes.

14) Srivastava (Sri-vastava, Shrivastava, Shri-vastava):
Shrivastava is likely a reference to a researcher or author contributing to the field of microbiology, particularly regarding antibiotic resistance and clinical infections. Recognizing contributions from various authors like Shrivastava underscores the collaborative nature of scientific research aimed at addressing global health challenges.

15) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Studies focused on Acinetobacter baumannii highlight the importance of medical interventions, including antibiotic treatment and infection control strategies, that can significantly impact patient outcomes in healthcare environments facing antibiotic resistance challenges.

16) Teaching:
Teaching involves imparting knowledge or skills, particularly beneficial in training healthcare professionals about infection control and antimicrobial stewardship. Effective teaching methodologies can enhance understanding of multidrug-resistant organisms, equipping future practitioners with the knowledge to manage infections like those caused by Acinetobacter baumannii effectively.

17) Species:
Species refer to groups of organisms classified together based on shared characteristics. In microbiology, identifying bacterial species like Acinetobacter baumannii is critical for understanding pathogenicity, resistance mechanisms, and epidemiology, which guides effective treatment and infection prevention strategies.

18) Aureus:
Aureus refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterial pathogen known for causing infections in humans. Research often explores antibiotic resistance patterns of staphylococci, with studies indicating interactions between various pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus in healthcare-associated infections, emphasizing the need for comprehensive infection control.

19) Gurung:
Gurung may denote a researcher or author involved in studies related to bacteriology or antimicrobial resistance. Recognizing contributions from individuals like Gurung helps to acknowledge the collaborative effort taken in studying antibiotic resistance dynamics and their impact on healthcare practices, particularly concerning multidrug-resistant pathogens.

20) Indian:
Indian refers to the geographical and cultural context of various studies on infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. Research from India has contributed to understanding the global landscape of multidrug-resistant bacteria, highlighting regional variations, local epidemiology, and the need for tailored public health interventions and antibiotic policies.

21) Delhi:
Delhi indicates a specific location often associated with studies on healthcare, microbiology, and antibiotic resistance. Research emanating from Delhi can offer insights into local outbreaks, resistance patterns, and the implications for managing multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings, aiding in formulating effective public health strategies.

22) Rani:
Rani is likely associated with an author or researcher who contributes to microbiological studies. Appreciating the works of individuals like Rani can provide context for understanding the advancement of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance in pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus in clinical environments.

23) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burn refers to injuries that compromise the skin's integrity, often leading to increased risk of infections by pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii. Understanding the link between burn injuries and hospital-acquired infections underscores the importance of monitoring infection rates and implementing preventive measures in clinical settings.

24) Soil:
Soil represents an ecosystem where various bacteria, including potential pathogens, reside. Understanding the interactions between soil-dwelling organisms and hospital environments can inform the understanding of bacterial transmission and resistance mechanisms, particularly how environmental strains might influence clinical infections like those caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.

25) New Delhi:
New Delhi, as a major urban center, is significant for microbiological studies due to its healthcare challenges, including antibiotic resistance. Research from New Delhi can provide crucial insights into the epidemiology of multidrug-resistant bacteria, facilitating targeted interventions and public health strategies aimed at reducing infection rates.

26) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific writing reflects on research findings, evaluating implications and relevance in the broader context of knowledge. This section is crucial for interpreting results on Acinetobacter baumannii, facilitating understanding of resistance patterns, transmission dynamics, and informing infection control practices in healthcare.

27) Substance:
Substance typically refers to a particular material or compound studied in scientific research. In microbiological contexts, substances may include antibiotics, culture media, or environmental materials, whose interactions with organisms like Acinetobacter baumannii are crucial for understanding resistance, survival, and effectiveness of treatment interventions.

28) Dressing:
Dressing refers to the material applied to wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. In the context of Acinetobacter baumannii, understanding its interactions with wound dressings is vital for preventing hospital-acquired infections, promoting the need for effective materials that inhibit bacterial growth and improve healing outcomes.

29) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard or excellence of processes or products, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing procedures. In studies regarding bacterial resistance, maintaining high-quality standards ensures reliable data, which is essential for making informed decisions in clinical settings, particularly concerning effective treatment options for multidrug-resistant organisms.

30) Account:
Account typically means a report or description of an event or situation. In research, researchers provide accounts of their findings regarding pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii, helping to document patterns of resistance, epidemiology, and effectiveness of interventions in controlling infections in healthcare environments.

31) Greece:
Greece represents a geographical area of interest in studies related to infectious diseases. Research from Greece may provide comparative data on antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii, aiding the global understanding of resistance trends and informing healthcare practices on an international scale.

32) Medium:
Medium in microbiology refers to the nutrient-rich solutions used for growing bacteria in laboratory settings. Understanding the choice of medium is crucial for studying the growth and behavior of pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii, informing best practices for laboratory procedures and antibiotic testing.

33) Sugar:
Sugar relates to nutrients often studied in microbiology, as many bacteria utilize carbohydrates for energy. In examining biofilm production by pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii, the role of sugar in growth and metabolism can impact resistance traits and the capability to form biofilms, informing treatment strategies.

34) Genu:
Genu might not be commonly found in microbiological literature, but it could refer to genus in the biological classification system. Correct denotation is essential for identifying and categorizing different species within the Acinetobacter genus, which is key to studies of microbial characteristics and resistance patterns.

35) Soja:
Soja could refer to a soy-based product or medium used in bacterial culture, supporting nutritional requirements for microorganism growth. The selection of culture media is critical in studies focused on understanding antibiotic resistance mechanisms and pathogenicity for bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii in laboratory settings.

36) Wall:
Wall refers to the structural composition of cells, especially in bacteria where cell walls provide integrity and protection. The study of wall characteristics in pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii can reveal information about resistance mechanisms, informing treatment approaches against bacterial infections in healthcare settings.

37) Line:
Line might pertain to lineage or strain lineages within microbial studies. Understanding the lineage of Acinetobacter baumannii can reveal evolutionary paths and mechanisms of resistance, guiding interventions and control measures against the spread of multidrug-resistant infections in clinical settings.

38) Post:
Post generally means subsequent or later events. In scientific contexts, it can refer to discussions or analyses conducted after major findings regarding Acinetobacter baumannii. Examination of post-intervention findings is crucial to assess the effectiveness of antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures in healthcare settings.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Comparison of Environmental and Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Strains’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

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