Infection Control Resources to Mitigate Exposure Risks to Acinetobacter and Other Environmental Pathogens

Acinetobacter is described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment. While there are many types, the most frequent cause of infections in humans is Acinetobacter baumannii.

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, according to the CDC.

As recently as 2017, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter caused an estimated 8,500 infections in hospitalized patients and 700 estimated deaths in the United States alone. CDC warns that those most at risk of infection 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

“Microorganisms have always presented a challenge to healthcare providers. Miraculous science has developed various antibiotics to assist in restraining these invisible foes. But, to quote Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park, ‘life finds a way’,” said Derrick A. Denis, Disaster Ready Emergency Preparedness and Infection Control (DR EPIC) Program Industrial Hygienist and Senior Vice President for Clark Seif Clark (CSC). “Even with our recent emphasis on antibiotic stewardship, Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MDRO) or so-called ‘Superbugs’ are presenting new challenges to our healthcare system due to what amounts to microscopic selective breeding. One such example is Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter (MDR-A).”

Mr. Denis goes on to say, “To reduce our reliance on antibiotics and to preserve the efficacy of our current antibiotic arsenal, we must be vigilant in our universal precautions approach. Acinetobacter can persist on environmental surfaces and shared equipment, and antibiotic resistance is rising. So, it is wise to redouble efforts on hygiene basics: rigorous environmental cleaning, careful environmental disinfection, persistent hand hygiene, and conscientious aseptic techniques.”

To help with infection control efforts, the professionals at CSC are dedicated to identifying and mitigating indoor exposure risks to Acinetobacter and other environmental pathogens. They provide infection control, industrial hygiene, and indoor environmental quality testing, consulting, and training services. CSC 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.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.

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