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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
[Pathogenic analysis of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the pediatric intensive care unit in high-altitude areas]
Yan-Liang Xia1, Mei Ge, Zhen Wang
1Intensive Care Unit, Qinghai Provincial Women and Children's Hospital, Xining 810007, China. xyl_70@126.com.
Insights
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in high-altitude pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is often caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, frequently leading to mixed infections. Understanding these pathogens is crucial for effective VAP prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Critical Care
Context:
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) poses a significant challenge in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), particularly in high-altitude regions.
- Limited data exists on the specific pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in this unique environment.
Purpose:
- To identify the causative pathogens of VAP in a high-altitude PICU setting.
- To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of these pathogens.
- To provide a clinical evidence base for VAP management in high-altitude pediatric populations.
Summary:
- A study of 94 children with VAP in a high-altitude PICU revealed that Gram-negative bacteria, primarily Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, were the predominant pathogens.
- Mixed infections were common (77%), and a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was observed, with Gram-negative bacteria showing extensive resistance.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited extensive drug resistance, while Acinetobacter baumannii remained sensitive only to specific antibiotics like cefoperazone/sulbactam and imipenem. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was noted among Gram-positive isolates.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the significant threat of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in high-altitude pediatric VAP cases.
- Results guide the rational selection of antimicrobial agents for VAP treatment in these specific geographic and clinical settings.
- Informs the development of targeted VAP prevention and control measures in high-altitude PICUs.
Objective:
To investigate the pathogens of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and their drug resistance in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in high-altitude areas and to provide a clinical basis for the prevention and treatment of VAP.
Methods:
A total of 94 children with VAP hospitalized in the PICU in high-altitude areas between June 2011 and June 2013 were recruited. Their lower respiratory tract secretions were collected for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test.
Results:
Of the 94 children with VAP, 22 (23%) had a single bacterial infection, and 72 (77%) had mixed infections, mostly with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii (17 cases, 27%). Of the 178 isolated strains of pathogens, 139 (78%) were Gram-negative bacteria (G⁻ bacteria), mainly including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 26 (15%) were Gram-positive bacteria (G⁺ bacteria), mainly including Staphylococcus aureus, and 13 (7%) were fungi, mainly including Candida albicans. Most G⁻ bacteria had a high drug resistance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was extensively drug-resistant. Acinetobacter baumannii was only highly sensitive to cefoperazone/sulbactam and imipenem. Multidrug resistance (methicillin resistance) was found in G⁺ bacteria, for which vancomycin was effective.
Conclusions:
The pathogens of VAP in high-altitude areas are mostly G- bacteria, which may cause mixed infections and develop drug resistance. This provides guidance for the rational use of antimicrobial drugs and the development of key prevention and control measures for VAP.
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