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Conjunctival and corneal colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mechanically ventilated patients. A prospective

C Smulders1, H Brink, G Wanten

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Bosch Medicentrum, Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.

The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|October 6, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Mechanical ventilation patients risk P. aeruginosa eye infections. Endotracheal suctioning likely spreads bacteria from the respiratory tract to the eyes, causing colonization and infection.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) colonization is a concern in mechanically ventilated patients.
  • The eyes are a potential site for P. aeruginosa colonization, leading to infection.
  • The link between endotracheal suctioning and ocular P. aeruginosa colonization requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between endotracheal suctioning and P. aeruginosa colonization of the eyes in mechanically ventilated patients.
  • To investigate the incidence of P. aeruginosa colonization and subsequent eye infections in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 28 mechanically ventilated patients from January to August 1996.
  • Monitoring for respiratory tract colonization with P. aeruginosa.
  • Assessing conjunctival colonization and clinical eye infections.

Main Results:

  • Ten out of 28 (36%) patients developed respiratory tract colonization with P. aeruginosa.
  • Seven of these 10 patients (70%) showed conjunctival colonization.
  • Three patients (11%) developed clinical eye infections, with initial colonization on the side corresponding to ventilator/suctioning procedures.

Conclusions:

  • Endotracheal suctioning is a probable route for P. aeruginosa contamination of the conjunctiva via aerosol exposure.
  • Mechanically ventilated patients face an elevated risk of P. aeruginosa eye infections.
  • Ocular surveillance and infection control measures during suctioning are crucial for this vulnerable population.

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