Application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy for real-time typing of Acinetobacter baumanniioutbreak in intensive care unit

Aim:Acinetobacter baumanniiis a pathogen of serious concern, often exhibiting multiple antibiotic resistance, frequently associated with hospital outbreaks in intensive care units. A prompt detection and tracking of these isolates is crucial. Reference methods for typing (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, whole-genome sequencing) are accurate, but expensive and time-consuming, therefore limited to retrospective analysis. Materials & methods:In this study, the application of the FTIR-based IR Biotyper®(IRBT) to track and monitor in real time the spread of a multidrug-resistant A. baumanniioutbreak was investigated. The index case and the multidrug-resistant A. baumanniiisolates collected in the following 3 weeks were investigated. Results:IR Biotyper®clustering results were fully confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results. Conclusions:IR Biotyper represent a promising tool for real-time hospital hygiene, enabling a prompt and reliable typing.