2461. Community-Acquired in Name Only: A Cluster of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a Burn Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

BackgroundDetection of nosocomial outbreaks often relies on epidemiological definitions of community and nosocomial acquisition. We report a cluster of three carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections linked to a single source patient with infections occurring within 2 days of admission to a burn intensive care unit (ICU). The epidemiological investigation was supplemented by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of clinical and environmental isolates.MethodsStudy participants included burn ICU patients identified with infections caused by CRAB. A detailed review of patient demographic and clinical data was conducted. Clinical A. baumannii isolates were assessed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and WGS. Review of infection control practices on the affected unit was followed by environmental sampling. A. baumannii isolates obtained through environmental sampling were assessed for carbapenem resistance and then underwent WGS for comparison to the clinical isolates.ResultsThree cases of CRAB infection in the affected unit spanning a period of 3 months were linked to a preceding source patient, with CRAB isolates from the four patients differing by 5–7 single nucleotide variations. All case patients had been admitted to the same room within 2 days before development of CRAB infection. Environmental sampling performed while the third case patient occupied the room identified highly contaminated areas, and environmental CRAB isolates linked the patient isolates. The contaminated areas were subsequently re-sampled after enhanced terminal cleaning of the room. No additional CRAB was isolated, but other pathogenic organisms were recovered.ConclusionWe report a cluster of three infections caused by highly resistant A. baumannii that occurred in a burn intensive care unit over a period of 3 months, linked to a single source patient. Three case patients developed infections classified as community-acquired using standard epidemiological definitions, however, whole-genome sequencing revealed clonality. An extensive investigation identified the role of environmental reservoirs. Burn patients may be particularly vulnerable to early-onset nosocomial infection from environmental contamination. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.