Title
Bacterial growth in secretions and on suctioning equipment of orally intubated patients: A pilot study
Abbreviated Journal Title
Am. J. Crit. Care
Keywords
VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA; RECEIVING MECHANICAL VENTILATION; NOSOCOMIAL PNEUMONIA; SUBGLOTTIC SECRETIONS; CONTINUOUS ASPIRATION; MOISTURE EXCHANGERS; CIRCUIT CHANGES; RISK-FACTORS; COLONIZATION; CARE; Critical Care Medicine; Nursing
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contamination of equipment, colonization of the oropharynx, and microaspiration of secretions are causative factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Suctioning and airway management practices may influence the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia. OBJECTIVES To identify pathogens associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia in oral and endotracheal aspirates and to evaluate bacterial growth on oral and endotracheal suctioning equipment. METHODS Specimens were collected from 20 subjects who were orally intubated for at least 24 hours and required mechanical ventilation. At baseline, oral and sputum specimens were obtainedfor culturing, and suctioning equipment was changed. Specimens from the mouth, sputum, and equipment for culturing were obtained at 24 hours (n = 18) and 48 hours (n = 10). RESULTS After 24 hours, all subjects had potential pathogens in the mouth, and 67% had sputum cultures positive for pathogens. Suctioning devices were colonized with many of the same pathogens that were present in the mouth. Nearly all (94%) of tonsil suction devices were colonized within 24 hours. Most potential pathogens were gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria and antibiotic-resistant organisms were also present in several samples. CONCLUSIONS The presence of pathogens in oral and sputum specimens in most patients supports the notion that microaspiration of secretions occurs. Colonization is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia. The equipment used for oral and endotracheal suctioning becomes colonized with potential pathogens within 24 hours. It is not known if reusable oral suction equipment contributes to colonization; however, because many bacteria are exogenous to patients' normal flora, equipment may be a source of cross-contamination.
Journal Title
American Journal of Critical Care
Volume
11
Issue/Number
2
Publication Date
1-1-2002
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
141
Last Page
149
WOS Identifier
ISSN
1062-3264
Recommended Citation
"Bacterial growth in secretions and on suctioning equipment of orally intubated patients: A pilot study" (2002). Faculty Bibliography 2000s. 3485.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2000/3485