Acinetobacter baumanniiInfection in Prior ICU Bed Occupants Is an Independent Risk Factor for Subsequent Cases of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Objective. We aimed to evaluate risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due toAcinetobacter baumannii(AbVAP) in critically ill patients.Methods. This was a prospective observational study conducted in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a district hospital (6 beds). Consecutive patients were eligible for enrolment if they required mechanical ventilation for>48 hours and hospitalization for>72 hours. Clinical, microbiological, and laboratory parameters were assessed as risk factors for AbVAP by univariate and multivariate analysis.Results. 193 patients were included in the study. Overall, VAP incidence was 23.8% and AbVAP, 11.4%. Previous hospitalization of another patient withAcinetobacter baumanniiinfection was the only independent risk factor for AbVAP (OR (95% CI) 12.016 (2.282–19.521)P<0.001). ICU stay(25±17versus12±9 P<0.001), the incidence of other infections (OR (95% CI) 9.485 (1.640–10.466)P=0.002)(urinary tract infection, catheter related infection, and bacteremia), or sepsis (OR (95% CI) 10.400 (3.749–10.466)P<0.001)were significantly increased in patients with AbVAP compared to patients without VAP; no difference was found with respect to ICU mortality.Conclusion. ICU admission or the hospitalization of patients infected byAcinetobacter baumanniiincreases the risk of AbVAP by subsequent patients.