Infection Control Resources to Safeguard Patients and Building Occupants from Acinetobacter and Other Pathogens

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe Acinetobacter as a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment in places like soil and water. While there are many types, the most frequent cause of infections in humans is known as Acinetobacter baumannii.

Those most at risk of infection according to the CDC include patients in hospitals, especially those who:

• are on breathing machines
• have devices such as catheters
• have open wounds from surgery
• are in intensive care units
• have prolonged hospital stays

Infections of the blood, urinary tract, and lungs, or in wounds in other parts of the body can all be caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. It can also colonize or live in a person without causing infections or symptoms, especially in respiratory secretions or open wounds reports the CDC. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter caused an estimated 8,500 infections in hospitalized patients and approximately 700 deaths in the United States as recently as 2017.

“It’s important to note that Acinetobacter can live for long periods of time on environmental surfaces and shared equipment if they are not properly cleaned,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “This means it can spread from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, or though person to person spread. Because of this risk, CDC advises that in addition to hand hygiene, healthcare providers should pay careful attention to recommended infection control practices which includes rigorous environmental cleaning.”

To support infection control programs, CTSI offer buildings assessments, testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services to identify and mitigate exposure to Acinetobacter and many other microbial pathogens. They also recently sponsored an educational video about Acinetobacter and potential exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/47m5aeS-E3U

To learn more about this or other infection control, industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail