Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay
09:20

Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay

Published on: April 28, 2014

13.1K

Pneumococcal colonization among tracheostomy tube dependent children

Guliz Erdem1, Anirudh K Singh2, Anthony J Brusnahan2

  • 1College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America.

Plos One
|October 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children with tracheostomies are colonized by Streptococcus pneumoniae in their lower airways, similar to intubated patients. This study characterized these bacteria, finding no significant differences in serotypes or penicillin susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization precedes pneumococcal disease.
  • Children with tracheostomies face higher risks of pneumococcal pneumonia.
  • Lower airway pneumococci in tracheostomy patients are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare lower respiratory tract Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from tracheostomy patients and acutely intubated individuals.
  • To characterize pneumococci by penicillin susceptibility, co-colonization, genetic background, and serotype.

Main Methods:

  • Collected pneumococcal isolates from the lower respiratory tract of 27 tracheostomy patients and 42 acutely intubated patients.
  • Analyzed isolates for penicillin susceptibility, co-colonization rates, genetic diversity (MLST), and serotypes.

Main Results:

  • Isolates from both groups exhibited high genetic diversity, with 40 MLSTs and 20 serotypes identified.
  • No significant differences were observed in serotype distribution, co-colonization rates, vaccine coverage, or penicillin non-susceptibility.
  • First-time identification of non-vaccine serotypes 15B/C, 23B, and 35B in tracheostomy patients' lower airways.

Conclusions:

  • Lower airway pneumococcal colonization in tracheostomy patients is genetically diverse and similar to that in acutely intubated patients.
  • Findings support increasing trends of non-vaccine serotype colonization and disease.
  • Further research into specific serotypes and their clinical impact in vulnerable populations is warranted.

More Related Videos

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage07:47

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage

Published on: February 15, 2013

16.3K
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism09:03

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

Published on: March 27, 2012

46.5K

Related Concept Videos

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes01:28

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
3.4K
Tracheostomy Decannulation01:21

Tracheostomy Decannulation

Tracheostomy decannulation is a significant milestone in the liberation of mechanically ventilated patients. Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this procedure. This demands an evidence-based, individualized approach.
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
1.5K
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure01:25

Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure

Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
1.5K
The Colonization of Land02:22

The Colonization of Land

Changes in the environment of the early Earth drove the evolution of organisms. As prokaryotic organisms in the oceans began to photosynthesize, they produced oxygen. Eventually, oxygen saturated the oceans and entered the air, resulting in an increase in atmospheric oxygen concentration, known as the oxygen revolution approximately 2.3 billion years ago. Therefore, organisms that could use oxygen for cellular respiration had an advantage. More than 1.5 years ago, eukaryotic cells and...
37.7K
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure01:23

Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure

Tracheostomy suctioning is a vital nursing procedure that involves removing secretions from the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory complications. Nurses need to understand the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for performing tracheostomy suctioning, including preparing the sterile field, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), lubricating and connecting...
1.7K
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps01:16

Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps

A tracheostomy is a surgical technique that involves making an incision in the neck to provide access to the trachea. It is frequently used in medical conditions such as airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Effective nursing management is crucial for the long-term success of a tracheostomy.
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
1.2K