Viral colonization in intubated patients: initial pathogen pattern and follow-up
Barbara Monika Hauptmeier1, Irmgard Borg, Gernot Rohde
1Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany.
The Clinical Respiratory Journal
|June 23, 2010
Summary
Early respiratory viral colonization is rare in intubated patients, with fungi being more common. This suggests viruses play a minor role in early ventilator-associated pneumonia risk.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Lower respiratory tract colonization is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence of viral colonization in intubated patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of viral colonization in intubated patients.
- To assess the role of early viral colonization in ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- Studied 65 intubated patients without initial pulmonary infection signs.
- Collected tracheobronchial aspirates within 48 hours of intubation and at clinical endpoints.
- Utilized quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect respiratory viruses.
Main Results:
- Fungi (Candida spp.) and Staphylococcus aureus were frequently detected.
- Respiratory viruses were found in only 6% of patients.
- Only one case of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) acquisition was observed during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Fungal colonization is more prevalent than viral colonization after endotracheal intubation.
- Early respiratory viral colonization appears uncommon and may not be a major contributor to early ventilator-associated pneumonia.
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