[Incidence of colonization and infection by Acinetobacter baumannii in an endemic seting (ICU). Analysis of risk factors by means of a surveillance study].

Background: Our ICU has witnessed a gradual increase in infections due to Acinetobacter baumannii complex that has reached a level of stable endemia since 1995. This situation, aggravated by a high degree of resistance, has led to the present prospective study, designed to establish the incidence of Acinetobacter colonization and to investigate the role of risk factors and their relation to environmental colonization.

Methods: Serial sampling of all patients from the time of ICU admission to discharge.