MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF VENTILATOR ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA

Abstract

Introduction: Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important form of hospital acquired pneumonia, specifically refers to pneumonia developing in mechanically ventilated patients for more than 48 hours after tracheal intubation or tracheostomy. The aim of the study to find out organisms associated with VAP and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) for >48 h. Endotracheal aspirates (ETA) were collected from patients with suspected VAP cases and quantitative cultures were performed on all samples. All data were analyzed by Epi-info software.

Results: Quantitative culture results showed significant growth (>10⁵ cfu/ml) of pathogenic organisms causing VAP in 88 (88%) patients, while 12(12%) patients showed insignificant growth (<10⁵ cfu/ml) considered as non VAP. Acinetobacter spp. was found to be the commonest organism 36 (35.29%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae 24 (23.53%) and 21 (20.59%) respectively.

Conclusion: Acinetobacter spp., P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp. were the most common agents responsible for VAP and showed multidrug resistance. The knowledge of prevalent local pathogens and their antibiogram will help the clinician to choose the appropriate antimicrobial agent for effective and rationale treatment.

Keywords: Ventilator-associated pneumonia, Intensive care unit, Gram Negative bacilli