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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
04:32
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Ventilator-associated pneumonia in the home care setting
Carol E Chenoweth1, Laraine L Washer, Kumari Obeyesekera
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. cchenow@umich.edu
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|July 11, 2007
Summary
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurs less frequently at home than in hospitals, with similar organisms but lower mortality. Focus VAP prevention on patients with longer daily ventilation or new to home mechanical ventilation.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Home Healthcare
Background:
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant concern in patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
- Understanding VAP rates, causative organisms, and risk factors in the home setting is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of VAP in patients receiving home mechanical ventilation.
- To identify the microorganisms responsible for VAP in this population.
- To explore potential risk factors associated with VAP in home care settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study design.
- Data collected from a university-affiliated home care service.
- Analysis of patients on home mechanical ventilation between June 1995 and December 2001.
Main Results:
- A VAP rate of 1.55 episodes per 1,000 ventilator-days was observed in 57 patients over 50,762 ventilator-days.
- VAP incidence was higher in patients requiring longer daily ventilation durations.
- Commonly isolated organisms included Pseudomonas species and Staphylococcus aureus; no VAP-related deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- Home VAP shares similar causative organisms with hospital-acquired VAP but has significantly lower incidence and mortality.
- Interventions should target patients requiring prolonged daily ventilation or those newly initiated on home mechanical ventilation.
- Home care settings may offer a lower-risk environment for VAP development compared to hospitals.
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