Abstract
IntroductionVentilator- associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common nosocomial infections in mechanically ventilated patients and causes a lot of morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the bacterial causes of VAP in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and MethodsEndotracheal aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected from patients who were under mechanical ventilation for > 48 h in the ICU. Microscopy and culture were performed and the isolates were subjected to biochemical and antibiotic sensitivity tests.
ResultsThe incidence of VAP in our setting was found to be 42%. More patients (64.29%) were found to be in the late-onset VAP group (VAP after > 4 days of mechanical ventilation). Males (69.04%) were found to suffer more from VAP. Most of the bacterial isolates were found to be Gram negative bacilli (86.54%).
ConclusionsVAP is a potentially lethal condition in the ICU patients. A combination of clinical, microbiological and radiological factors will help to manage and prevent these cases.