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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia: epidemiological and clinical findings
José Garnacho-Montero1, C Ortiz-Leyba, Esteban Fernández-Hinojosa
1Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain. jose.garnacho.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Objective:
To investigate prognostic factors and predictors of Acinetobacter baumannii isolation in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). We specifically analyzed these issues for imipenem-resistant episodes.
Design And Setting:
All episodes of VAP are prospectively included in a database. Information about risk factors was retrieved retrospectively.
Patients:
Eighty-one patients exhibiting microbiologically documented VAP: 41 by A. baumannii (26 by imipenem-resistant) and 40 by other pathogens.
Measurements And Results:
The following variables were noted: underlying diseases, severity of illness, duration of mechanical ventilation and of hospitalization before VAP, prior episode of sepsis, previous antibiotic, corticosteroid use, type of nutrition, renal replacement therapy, reintubation, transportation out of the ICU, micro-organisms involved in VAP, concomitant bacteremia, clinical presentation, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scale on the day of diagnosis, and adequacy of empirical antibiotic therapy. Prior antibiotic use was found to be associated with development of VAP by A. baumannii (OR 14). Prior imipenem exposure was associated with the isolation of imipenem-resistant strains (OR 4). SOFA score on the day of diagnosis was the only predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.22); adequacy of empirical antibiotic therapy was a protective factor (OR 0.067).
Conclusions:
Our results confirm that prior exposure to antimicrobials is an independent predictor for the development of A. baumannii VAP, the prognosis of which is similar to that of infections caused by other pathogens. This study highlights the importance of initial antibiotic choice in VAP or whatever cause.
Insights
Prior antibiotic exposure predicts Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Imipenem resistance is linked to prior imipenem use. Initial antibiotic choice is crucial for VAP outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) poses a significant challenge in intensive care units.
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a common and often drug-resistant pathogen causing VAP.
- Understanding predictors for A. baumannii VAP, especially imipenem-resistant strains, is critical for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify prognostic factors and predictors for A. baumannii isolation in VAP.
- To specifically analyze these factors in imipenem-resistant A. baumannii VAP episodes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection of VAP episodes.
- Retrospective retrieval of risk factor information.
- Analysis of 81 patients with microbiologically confirmed VAP (41 A. baumannii, 26 imipenem-resistant).
Main Results:
- Prior antibiotic use was associated with A. baumannii VAP (OR 14).
- Prior imipenem exposure predicted imipenem-resistant A. baumannii isolation (OR 4).
- Higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores predicted mortality (OR 1.22), while adequate empirical therapy was protective (OR 0.067).
Conclusions:
- Previous antimicrobial exposure is an independent predictor for developing A. baumannii VAP.
- The prognosis for A. baumannii VAP is similar to VAP caused by other pathogens.
- The choice of initial antibiotic therapy is vital for VAP management.
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