Investigation and control of a suspected outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii nosocomial infections in the cardiovascular surgical ICU based on whole-genome sequencing

The treatment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infection faces great challenges. The purpose of this study was to investigate a suspected outbreak of CRAB infections in a cardiovascular surgical ICU to provide reference for clinical prevention and control. The CRAB infections in this department did not constitute a nosocomial infection outbreak; however, attention should be directed towards clonal transmission driven by mobile genetic elements. The urine bag drainage valve switch is identified as a potential transmission risk point that warrants special attention. It is imperative to enhance nosocomial infection prevention and control measures, including environmental disinfection, hand hygiene, and patient isolation.