Nosocomial colonization and infection by Achromobacter xylosoxidans

Abstract

Achromobacter xylosoxidans, a bacterial species named in 1971, is often isolated from aqueous environments, but little has been reported about its pathogenicity in humans, its epidemiological pattern, and its susceptibility to antibiotics and antiseptics. We were faced with an epidemic caused by this microorganism for 18 months in an intensive care unit. Two patients had fatal infections and 37 others were colonized. The source was the deionized water of the hemodialysis system. The 46 isolates were identified by comparison with the reference strain A. xylosoxidans ATCC 27061. The characteristic cellular fatty acids of this species were demonstrated by gas-liquid chromatography. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of 27 antibiotics were determined. The isolates were susceptible to only two: moxalactam at 4 ,ug/ml and

Bacteremia caused by Achromobacter and Alcaligenes species in 46 patients with cancer (1989–2003)

“…The conspicuously low frequency of nosocomial Ach. xylosoxidans infection and the lack of an identifiable source of hospital‐acquired infection were in sharp contrast to what has been described in previous reports 1, 3, 9, 11–15…”

“…Possible sources include Achromobacter ‐contaminated dialysis fluid, deionized water, mechanical ventilators, chlorhexidine solution, and incubators, as well as normal stool matter colonized by Ach. xylosoxidans 1, 9, 10, 13–16…”

A Rare Instance of Recurrent Achromobacter Infection in an Immune- Competent Individual

“…1 While Achromobacter species have been isolated occasionally from the human gastrointestinal tract and ear canal, it is unclear whether the organisms are a usual component of human endogenous flora. 3 The organism is known to infect im munosuppressed patients, including those with tumors, blood diseases, hypogammaglobulinemia, acquired immune de ficiency syndrome (AIDS), or organ transplant recipients. 3 There have been several studies on association of Achromobacter infections and cystic fibrosis.…”

“…3 The organism is known to infect im munosuppressed patients, including those with tumors, blood diseases, hypogammaglobulinemia, acquired immune de ficiency syndrome (AIDS), or organ transplant recipients. 3 There have been several studies on association of Achromobacter infections and cystic fibrosis. 3 The patient in this case had no such tendencies, and was found to have no immunecompromising conditions after evaluation, yet developed recurrent infections with this pathogen.…”

“…3 There have been several studies on association of Achromobacter infections and cystic fibrosis. 3 The patient in this case had no such tendencies, and was found to have no immunecompromising conditions after evaluation, yet developed recurrent infections with this pathogen. The usual infections caused by A.xylosoxidans include primary bacteremia, catheter-related bloodstream infection, endocar ditis, otitis, and pneumonia.…”