Mini Epidemic of Acinetobacter Junii in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Risk Factors and Control Procedures

Abstract

Aim: Acinetobacter spp. have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens in recent decades because of the increase in the incidence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Acinetobacter junii accounts for less than 1\% of isolates. Acinetobacter junii is a gram-negative, non-fermentative cocobacillus that might cause bacteremia, especially in immunocompromised patients and newborns. This article described a mini epidemic of Acinetobacter junii that has been experienced in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and taken measures to control it. Materials and Methods: The outbreak occurred at Suleyman Demirel University Hospital, Pediatrics Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in August 2013. The 15-bed at NICU provides care for level 3 patients. Clinical signs of sepsis were observed in 8 of 15 infants who were treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. Results: Acinetobacter junii were isolated in six infants. Isolates were from blood cultures of five patients and one was from the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid cultures of the same patient. Two preterm and five late preterm babies were affected from epidemic. A 25 week old preterm baby died because of septic shock at the fifth hour of his treatment. Conclusion: The present study confirms that Acinetobacter junii is an important nosocomial pathogen in neonatal period. As a part of rigid infection control, intravenous feedings should be prepared under aseptic conditions.