EndemicAcinetobacter anitratus in a surgical intensive care unit: Mechanical ventilators as reservoir

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Abstract
Colonization and infection with an endemic multiresistant strain ofAcinetobacter calcoaceticus varietyanitratus had been observed in the surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital since 1982. An outbreak of infection with this endemic, multiresistantAcinetobacter anitratus strain occurred between January and September, 1984. After initial attempts at identification of environmental reservoirs had been unsuccessful, risk factors for the acquisition ofAcinetobacter anitratus were investigated by comparing the epidemiological characteristics of patients who became colonized or infected with those of control patients without colonization. The results of this case-control study and of the ensuing specific cultures indicated that ventilators in use in the unit were the reservoirs ofAcinetobacter anitratus, resulting in frequent nosocomial respiratory tract infections. After modification of the mechanical ventilators, colonization and infection rates withAcinetobacter anitratus decreased. Since January 1985, no new cases of colonization or infection with this endemic strain ofAcinetobacter anitratus have been recorded.