[Prevention of exogenous respiratory infection]

The exogenous respiratory infections have two transmission channels, the airborne and the handborne ways, and two entrance doors, tracheotomy and intubation. Indeed, most often, contamination of the oropharynx occurs prior to the bacterial pneumonia. These microorganisms are isolated on healthy carries, on linen, furniture, air-conditioning system and so on... Special precautions are recommended as disinfection or sterilization of ventilators equipment changing circuits every 48 hours, using sterile water in humidifiers, and rigorous aseptic technic for tracheal suctions. An experimental study shows that microorganisms present in the humidifier disseminate through the circuit with the airstream. Therefore septic isolation of patients with pneumonia and disinfection of the room after his departure are considered as essential measure of prevention.