An outbreak of multiple antibiotic resistant Acinetobacter lwoffii

This is a retrospective study of an outbreak of multiple antibiotic resistant Acinetobacter lwoffii in the orthopaedic unit of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi during the period May to June 1994. The organisms were isolated from wound swabs, wound aspirate, sputum, tissues and wound haematomas of patients. Results of antibiotic susceptibility of these strains showed that they were resistant to ampicillin, trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole, cefotaxime, aztreonam, ofloxacin, piperacillin, cefixime and gentamicin, and sensitive to amikacin only. The unit was not closed for further admissions and the outbreak was controlled promptly by reinforcing infection control measures in the ward. However, it caused a lot of increased morbidity, prolonged stay and added financial burden to the patients. No further infected case was identified with the above strain of Acinetobacter lwoffii.