Publication:

A clinico - microbiological study in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in a tertiary care hospital

Background Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important and common complication of mechanically ventilated patients. It is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Intensive Care Units (ICU) worldwide. Objective of the study was to isolate and identify the organisms causing VAP and to know their resistance pattern.

Methods A prospective study was carried out over a period of one year in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital. All patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours were included in the study. The pathogens were identified based on standard procedures including Gram’s stain, colony morphology on Blood agar, Mac Conkey agar and SDA and biochemical reactions.

Results The incidence of VAP in our study was 32% and was more common in males compared to females (65.62%) Gram negative organisms were most commonly isolated. Among them Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter were the commonest organisms. Gram positive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative staphylococci and Pneumococci. In 2% of cases Candida spp were isolated.

Conclusions Gram negative bacteria were the major pathogenic organisms of VAP in our ICU. Culture of endotracheal aspirates for early diagnosis and its antibiogram will guide for an approach to targeted treatment.