Health facilities take steps against drug-resistant infection

More local health facilities are reporting cases of Acinetobacter baumannii, a potentially fatal and multi-drug resistant bug that's been reported at area hospitals.

After Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville and Valley Regional Medical Center confirmed recently treating patients with the bacteria, Solara Hospital in Brownsville also reported an increase in year-over-year incidence rates.

Solara, an acute long-term facility, is a partnership of Solara Healthcare and Valley Baptist Health System.

Mario Rodriguez, an administrator at the hospital, did not say how many cases have been reported at the facility, but, "from last year to this year, we have seen an increase."

Rodriguez said Solara has "implemented all the precautionary methods recommended by the state health department." In a health advisory dated April 30, the state called for early identification of infected patients through surveillance cultures, interfacility/agency sharing of infection status prior to transfer and discharge, implementation of infection-control measures and deep cleaning when the patient leaves the room or ambulance.

The state also pointed out that the bacteria could be spread to susceptible persons by person-to-person contact; contact with contaminated surfaces or exposure in the environment. Furthermore, studies have documented widespread environmental contamination including the following environmental surfaces: curtains, laryngoscope blades, patient lifting equipment, door handles, mops, keyboard, medical equipment and cell phones.

Infections also can cause numerous illnesses ranging from pneumonia to serious blood or wound infections, and the symptoms vary depending on the disease. Typical symptoms of pneumonia could include fever, chills, or cough.

Acinetobacter may also "colonize" or live in a patient without causing infection or symptoms, especially in tracheotomy sites or open wounds, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC pointed out that the bacteria are often resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics and that decisions on treatment should be made on a case-by-case basis.

The mortality rate could not be ascertained at press time.

The source of the local incidence increase has not been determined, but Rodriguez does not believe the patients were infected at Solara, where they arrive as referrals from other care centers.

Solara has been testing patients before they are admitted. Additionally, staff there are in contact with state health officials, said Rodriguez who also noted that the facility would be participating in a symposium this week to discuss the virus.

VBMC spokeswoman Terri Retana said Friday that the Texas Department of State Health Services is holding the symposium, "due to the number of hospitals and patients affected."

Neither the state nor local facilities are releasing the number of cases they have encountered.

On Monday, The Herald contacted five local nursing homes. Of those responding, Brownsville Good Samaritan Center's Administrator Gene Alderson said that to his knowledge, the home has not encountered a case. Alderson said laboratory work for nursing home patients is checked before admission.

Wayne Underwood, administrator at the Mother of Perpetual Help Nursing Home Inc., also said that cases have not been identified to his knowledge.

South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital CEO Jessie Eason-Gonzales said Friday that cases have not been encountered at the facility, which also accepts mostly referral patients. Nurses review medical records of prospective patients and all are pre-screened before being treated.

"We are taking proper steps and following guidelines to protect the patients," Eason-Gonzales said of guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

City Health Director Arturo Rodriguez had not received any reports from local facilities as of Monday. He also plans to attend the symposium to find out if, "it is under control or still out there."

Cameron County currently does not have a health authority and referred questions to the state.

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About Acinetobacter baumannii:

Acinetobacter causes a variety of diseases, ranging from pneumonia to serious blood or wound infections and the symptoms vary depending on the disease. Typical symptoms of pneumonia could include fever, chills, or cough. Acinetobacter may also "colonize" or live in a patient without causing infection or symptoms, especially in tracheotomy sites or open wounds.

Acinetobacter is often resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics. A healthcare provider should make decisions on treatment of infections on a case-by-case basis. Infection typically occurs in very ill patients and can either cause or contribute to death.

It can be spread to susceptible persons by person-to-person contact; contact with contaminated surfaces or exposure in the environment. Studies have documented widespread environmental contamination including the following environmental surfaces: curtains, laryngoscope blades, patient lifting equipment, door handles, mops, keyboard, medical equipment and cell phones.

SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Texas Department of State Health Services.