What bacteria causes ventilator-associated pneumonia?
Common causative pathogens of VAP include Gramnegative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter species, and Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus9-14.
How is VAP spread?
It is thought by many, that VAP primarily occurs because the endotracheal or tracheostomy tube allows free passage of bacteria into the lower segments of the lung in a person who often has underlying lung or immune problems. Bacteria travel in small droplets both through the endotracheal tube and around the cuff.
What is the prognosis of bacterial pneumonia?
Generally, the prognosis is promising in otherwise healthy patients. Patients older than 60 years or younger than 4 years of age have a relatively poorer prognosis than young adults. If pneumonia is left untreated, the overall mortality may become 30%.
How can ventilator-associated pneumonia be reduced?
To reduce risk for VAP, the following nurse-led evidence-based practices are recommended: reduce exposure to mechanical ventilation, provide excellent oral care and subglottic suctioning, promote early mobility, and advocate for adequate nurse staffing and a healthy work environment.
Why does ventilator cause pneumonia?
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) results from the invasion of the lower respiratory tract and lung parenchyma by microorganisms. Intubation compromises the integrity of the oropharynx and trachea and allows oral and gastric secretions to enter the lower airways.
What antibiotic is used for VAP?
Limited-spectrum antimicrobial therapy was defined as the use of ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftriaxone or levofloxacin because penicillins are the most frequently used antibiotics for treating VAP in Europe [32], and fluoroquinolones are commonly considered as an alternative to penicillin in case of allergy and are …
Is viral or bacterial pneumonia worse?
Bacterial and viral pneumonia are more common than pneumonia resulting from fungal infections. Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae cause bacterial pneumonia. This type of pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia.
How common is ventilator-associated pneumonia?
Eighty-six percent of nosocomial pneumonias are associated with mechanical ventilation and are termed ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Between 250,000 and 300,000 cases per year occur in the United States alone, which is an incidence rate of 5 to 10 cases per 1,000 hospital admissions (134, 170).
How do you detect ventilator-associated pneumonia?
VAP is most accurately diagnosed by quantitative culture and microscopic examination of lower respiratory tract secretions, which are best obtained by bronchoscopically directed techniques such as the protected specimen brush and bronchoalveolar lavage.