No abstract

Early recognition and implementation of appropriate infection control measures were effective in preventing further transmission.

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is gaining importance as a cause of nosocomial infections, but its role in skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) is not well defined. As a result of the outbreak of A. baumannii occurring in military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, reports of severe wound infections and SSTI caused by this pathogen are increasing in frequency. Methods: We describe four cases of monomicrobial and polymicrobial A. baumannii-associated necrotizing SSTI accompanied by A. baumannii bacteremia and offer a review of similar experiences published in the literature. Results: Our comparative analysis reveals four unique features associated with necrotizing SSTI associated with A. baumannii: i) Occurs in hosts with underlying comorbidities (e.g., trauma, cirrhosis); ii) is often accompanied by bacteremia; iii) multiple drug resistance and the presence of co-pathogens frequently complicated treatment (64% of cases); iv) the cases reported here and in our review required surgical debridement (84% of cases) and led to substantial mortality (*30%). Conclusions: As the prevalence of A. baumannii continues to increase in our health care system, SSTIs caused by this organism may become more common. Clinicians must be aware that the spectrum of disease caused by A. baumannii could include severe necrotizing SSTI and that vigilance for potential complications is necessary.

Despite advances in resuscitation and surgical management of combat wounds, infection remains a concerning and potentially preventable complication of combat-related injuries. Interventions currently used to prevent these infections have not been either clearly defined or subjected to rigorous clinical trials. Current infection prevention measures and wound management practices are derived from retrospective review of wartime experiences, from civilian trauma data, and from in vitro and animal data. This update to the guidelines published in 2008 incorporates evidence that has become available since 2007. These guidelines focus on care provided within hours to days of injury, chiefly within the combat zone, to those combat-injured patients with open wounds or burns. New in this update are a consolidation of antimicrobial agent recommendations to a backbone of high-dose cefazolin with or without metronidazole for most postinjury indications, and recommendations for redosing of antimicrobial agents, for use of negative pressure wound therapy, and for oxygen supplementation in flight.

Management of combat-related trauma is derived from skills and data collected in past conflicts and civilian trauma, and from information and experience obtained during ongoing conflicts. The best methods to prevent infections associated with injuries observed in military combat are not fully established. Current methods to prevent infections in these types of injuries are derived primarily from controlled trials of elective surgery and civilian trauma as well as retrospective studies of civilian and military trauma interventions. The following guidelines integrate available evidence and expert opinion, from within and outside of the US military medical community, to provide guidance to US military health care providers (deployed and in permanent medical treatment facilities) in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections in those individuals wounded in combat. These guidelines may be applicable to noncombat traumatic injuries under certain circumstances. Early wound cleansing and surgical debridement, antibiotics, bony stabilization, and maintenance of infection control measures are the essential components to diminish or prevent these infections. Future research should be directed at ideal treatment strategies for prevention of combat-related injury infections, including investigation of unique infection control techniques, more rapid diagnostic strategies for infection, and better defining the role of antimicrobial agents, including the appropriate spectrum of activity and duration.