Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
[Nosocomial pneumonia. Prevention and diagnostic]
1Zentrum Anästhesiologie, Rettungs- und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Deutschland. tperl@medizin.uni-goettingen.de
Abstract:
Pneumonia occurring more than 48 h after induction of mechanical ventilation is called ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care medicine and is associated with prolonged intensive care and hospital stay and a higher mortality. The main pathomechanism for development of ventilator-associated pneumonia is not so much the mechanical ventilation per se but more the pathogens passing along the tube towards the lungs. Avoidance of tracheal intubation, strict hygienic measures, reduction of oropharyngeal colonization and the avoidance of microaspiration are the most promising prevention strategies. Therapeutic success in treatment of VAP is coupled to an early diagnosis and therapy. Suspicion of pneumonia is based on clinical and radiologic criteria. Biomarkers and microbiological findings are important for follow-up and reevaluation of the suspected diagnosis.
Insights
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common intensive care infection. Prevention focuses on avoiding pathogen spread via the breathing tube, while early diagnosis and therapy are key for successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Atypical Pneumonia
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
