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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
04:32
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis and pneumonia: thinking outside the box
Donald E Craven1, Karin I Hjalmarson
1Center for Infectious Diseases & Prevention, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 01805, USA. donald.e.craven@lahey.org
Summary
Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) and pneumonia (VAP) are common in intubated patients, often caused by resistant bacteria. Serial surveillance for VAT may enable earlier, targeted antibiotic use, potentially preventing VAP and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Lower respiratory tract infections, including ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), pose significant risks to intubated patients.
- These infections are frequently caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, highlighting the need for effective diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore an alternative diagnostic and management model for lower respiratory tract infections in intubated patients.
- To evaluate the potential of serial surveillance of endotracheal aspirate specimens for ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) to guide early, targeted antibiotic therapy.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews the challenges in diagnosing VAT and VAP, including overlapping clinical and microbiologic criteria and difficulties in radiographic assessment for VAP.
- It proposes a model utilizing serial endotracheal aspirate surveillance to identify pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibilities.
Main Results:
- Current ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) management relies on empirical antibiotic therapy, often based on risk factors for multidrug-resistant pathogens.
- The proposed VAT surveillance model offers the potential for earlier, pathogen-directed antibiotic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Implementing a VAT-focused surveillance model could lead to improved patient outcomes by enabling timely, targeted antibiotic interventions.
- This approach may also serve as a valuable framework for clinical research trials investigating novel treatment strategies for ventilator-associated infections.
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