Multiresistant Acinetobacter spp in a burn unit in Argentina

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Background: Multiresistant Acinetobacter spp has emerged as an important microorganisms in critical areas like burn units.

Objetives: Infections caused by multiple drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter spp was studied in our burn unit to evaluate epidemiological, clinical features, outcome, use of colistin and adverse effects related with this antibiotic.

Methods: A prospective chart review of pediatric patients admitted to our tertiary burn unit between January 2005 and December 2006 with isolation of multiresistant Acynetobacter spp was performed. During the study period, 26 p were evaluated with isolation of Acinetobacter spp.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.5 months (range: 2 to 168 m), 17 patients (65%) were male. The burnt surface was between 10% and 87% (median 42.5%). Full thickness was present in 10 p (39%). Burn wound sepsis was the most frequent focus in 10 patients (39%). In 8 patients (30%), burn wound infection occurred without sepsis. Intravascular catheter-related bacteremia was found in three patients (11%) and bacteremia in one (4%). Two patients had pneumonia (8%), and two urinary tract infection (8%). All patients were treated with colistin.according susceptibility test. The time of colistin treatment was between 10 and 71 days (median 21days). None of the children developed adverse effects attributable to colistin. The outcome was favorable in all patients.

Conclusion: Multiresistant Acinetobacter spp has emerged as a new threat in burn units. Burn wound sepsis was the most common foci. Colistin was a safe drug for the treatment. The outcome was favorable in all patients.