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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
[Clinical features of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by acinetobacter]
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China. jqchen67@hotmail.com
Objective:
To investigate the clinical features of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by acinetobacter.
Methods:
The clinical manifestations of 45 cases with ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by acinetobacter between 1995 and 2002 were analyzed. Bacterial susceptibility of acinetobacter strains was determined by Kerby-Bauer method.
Results:
The mean age of the subjects was 58 +/- 13 years with 31 patients older than 60 years. All the patients had underlying diseases, most of which were respiratory diseases (37.8%), nervous system diseases (22.2%), and trauma (22.2%). Thirteen cases (28.9%) were mixed infections with other bacteria. The main manifestations were fever, purulent secretion, and solidification in the lung. X-ray revealed inflammatory infiltration in lower lobes of both sides. The mortality was 37.8%. The in vitro activity tests of 28 antibiotics against the acinetobacter strains showed that they were multiresistant. Polymysin B, imipenem, minocycline, ofloxacin, and amikacin were relatively active.
Conclusion:
The patients with VAP caused by acinetobacter usually had underlying diseases without unique features and high mortality, and the isolated strains were often mutiresistant. It is necessary to make early diagnosis, select the appropriate agents, and improve the disinfection of the breath loop in the ventilator.
Insights
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by Acinetobacter presents without unique features but has a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic selection are crucial for managing these multi-drug resistant infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Microbiology
Context:
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant concern in intensive care units.
- Acinetobacter species are increasingly recognized as challenging pathogens in healthcare-associated infections.
Purpose:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of VAP caused by Acinetobacter.
- To analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Acinetobacter strains isolated from VAP patients.
Summary:
- A study of 45 VAP cases caused by Acinetobacter revealed that patients often had underlying conditions and presented with non-specific symptoms like fever and lung consolidation.
- Mortality was high at 37.8%, and isolated Acinetobacter strains demonstrated multi-drug resistance, with Polymyxin B, imipenem, minocycline, ofloxacin, and amikacin showing relative activity.
- X-rays typically showed bilateral lower lobe inflammatory infiltration.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for early diagnosis and targeted antimicrobial therapy for Acinetobacter VAP.
- Emphasizes the importance of infection control measures, including ventilator circuit disinfection.
- Informs clinical decision-making regarding antibiotic choices for multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter infections.
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