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5PSQ-147 Ventilator-associated pneumonia outbreak caused by acinetobacter baumannii in a burn unit: a case report

ejhpharm · 2026-03-18 · canonical JSON source

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Background and Importance Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging nosocomial pathogen associated with both endemic and epidemic outbreaks, particularly in intensive care and burn units. It commonly affects the respiratory tract and surgical wounds and may progress to sepsis. Its multidrug resistance poses a major therapeutic challenge. This report describes a ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) episode caused by A. baumannii in a burn patient that triggered a small outbreak within the unit.Aim and Objectives To describe the clinical evolution and antimicrobial management of a critically burned patient who developed A. baumannii VAP, and to outline the infection control measures that successfully contained the subsequent outbreak.Material and Methods A 36-year-old male with 55% total body surface area burns following a wildfire accident was admitted to the burn unit in August 2025. The patient required multiple debridements, central and arterial catheterisation, mechanical ventilation (tracheostomy on 25 September), and enteral nutrition. Empirical therapy with meropenem, linezolid, and amphotericin B was initiated. After a period of stability without systemic antimicrobials, the patient developed fever on 14 September. Cultures from tracheal aspirate and abdominal exudate were positive for A. baumannii. Ampicillin–sulbactam (6 g/3 g every 8 h, 4 h extended infusion) was started according to susceptibility results (MIC < 2 mg/L). Two additional patients in the same unit were subsequently identified with A. baumannii infection.Results All three patients received ampicillin–sulbactam for 14 days with favourable clinical outcomes and culture negativisation after 7 days. No adverse reactions were reported. Reinforcement of hygiene and isolation measures prevented further cases. Environmental sampling yielded negative results. The index patient recovered and was transferred from the intensive care unit after infection control was achieved.Conclusion and Relevance This case illustrates the high transmissibility of A. baumannii in critical care environments and the importance of early microbiological identification. Targeted therapy with ampicillin–sulbactam, even against susceptible strains, proved effective in controlling infection and preventing spread. Continuous surveillance, strict adherence to infection control protocols, and antimicrobial stewardship are key to preventing outbreaks in high-risk hospital areas.Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest