Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE
Published on: March 1, 2024
Examination of Blood and Tracheal Aspirate Culture Results in Intensive Care Patients: 5-year analysis
Hulya Caskurlu1, Ismail Davarci2, Mucahide Esra Kocoglu3
1Istanbul Medeniyet University, Faculty of Medicine, Göztepe Training Hospital, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Istanbul, Turkey.
Objective:
Majority of nosocomial infections are seen in intensive care units (ICUs) and they course with higher rates of mortality, and morbidity rates. In this study, we aimed to investigate the distribution of microorganisms isolated from the tracheal aspirate and blood cultures of ICU hospitalized patients, and their antibiotic resistance profiles.
Method:
Tracheal aspirate and blood cultures sent from ICU patients were evaluated retrospectively between 2014-2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed on microorganism cultures that were identified by conventional methods and using an automated system.
Results:
A total of 23.275 samples were accepted during the study period. The microorganisms isolated from tracheal aspirate cultures were Gram-negative (89.7%), Gram-positive (9.3%) and yeasts (1%). The most common Gram (-) microorganisms were A.baumannii (%25.7). The rates of meropenem resistance were documented as 98.3% for A.baumannii in 2014, 95.7% in 2018, 69.2% for P.aeruginosa. in 2014, and 35.6% in 2018, 45.55 for K.pneumoniae in 2014, and 5.8% in 2018 and 8% for E.coli in 2014, and 2% in 2018. The rates of methicillin resistance in S.aureus were documented as 28.0% in 2018, and 67.7% in 2015. The rates of penicillin resistance for S. pneumonia was documented as 76.8% in 2018, and 13.4% in 2015. The microorganisms isolated from blood culture were Gram (-) (31.4%), Gram (+) (57.9%) and yeasts (10.6%). The most frequently isolated Gram (-) bacteria were K.pneumonia (9.3%) and A.baumannii (8.8%). The rates of meropenem resistance were documented as 97.3% for A.baumannii. in 2014 and 79.2% in 2018, as 76.9% for K.pneumoniae in 2014 and 37.3% in 2018 and 79.2% for P.aeruginosa in 2014 and 26.1% in 2018. The artes of methicillin resistance were documented as 89.2% in 2018, and 78.5% for CNS in 2015, and 42.6% in 2018 while it was 92.4% for S. aureus in 2015.
Conclusions:
Our study showcased a drop throughout the year in rates of carbapenem resistance against Gram (-) microorganisms and methicillin resistance in S.aureus. However, the persistently high carbapanem resistance in A.baumannii isolates demonstrates the crucial need to continue with infection control measures.
Insights
Intensive care unit (ICU) infections show high mortality. This study analyzed ICU microbial distribution and antibiotic resistance, finding a decrease in carbapenem resistance but persistently high resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Nosocomial infections are prevalent in intensive care units (ICUs), associated with increased mortality and morbidity.
- Understanding the spectrum of microbial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of microorganisms in tracheal aspirate and blood cultures from ICU patients.
- To determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of these isolated microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of tracheal aspirate and blood cultures from ICU patients between 2014 and 2018.
- Identification of microorganisms using conventional and automated methods.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess resistance patterns.
Main Results:
- Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii, were the most common isolates from tracheal aspirates.
- High rates of meropenem resistance were observed in A. baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Blood cultures showed a higher prevalence of Gram-positive bacteria, with significant methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusions:
- A declining trend in carbapenem resistance among Gram-negative bacteria and methicillin resistance in S. aureus was observed.
- Persistent high carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii underscores the ongoing need for stringent infection control measures in ICUs.
More Related Videos
11:25Preparation of a Blood Culture Pellet for Rapid Bacterial Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing
Published on: October 15, 2014
10:26P. aeruginosa Infected 3D Co-Culture of Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Macrophages at Air-Liquid Interface for Preclinical Evaluation of Anti-Infectives
Published on: June 15, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:26Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and...
01:24Endotracheal Tube Extubation
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals....
01:29Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...