Achromobacter xylosoxidans in hospital environments: still waters run deep!

Abstract Background Hospital reservoirs of Achromobacter xylosoxidans, responsible for nosocomial infections, are poorly known. Methods We examined the growth, survival and biofilm formation of five A. xylosoxidans strains for up to 2 y in distilled, dialysis or microfiltered water. Each strain was inoculated at 102 CFU/ml without adding nutrients. Results All strains grew at a level of 3x103 to 1.5x107 CFU/ml; each strain showed a preferred water type. Strains isolated from quaternary ammoniums showed the highest ability to grow and form biofilms in nutrient-poor waters. Conclusion Medical waters and notably sterile distilled water bottles appear to be long-lasting reservoirs of A. xylosoxidans.