Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
15:43
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
23.3K
Pulmonary Microbiome of Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation: Changes Over Time
Mary Lou Sole1, Shibu Yooseph2, Steven Talbert3
1Mary Lou Sole is dean, professor, and Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Summary
Prolonged mechanical ventilation alters the pulmonary microbiome, reducing its diversity over time. An oral suctioning intervention may decrease bacterial transmission from the mouth to the lungs in ventilated patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Growing interest in the pulmonary microbiome, especially in mechanically ventilated patients.
- Mechanical ventilation can significantly impact the respiratory tract microbiome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate temporal changes in the pulmonary microbiome of patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation.
- To assess the impact of an oral suctioning intervention on the pulmonary microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive subanalysis of a clinical trial with 16 participants (7 intervention, 9 control).
- Paired oral and tracheal specimens collected over time.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing used to analyze bacterial DNA, assessing taxonomy, alpha-diversity (Shannon index), and beta-diversity (Morisita-Horn index).
Main Results:
- Mean tracheal alpha-diversity decreased over the study period for both the total group and the control group.
- Beta-diversity was significantly lower in the control group (1.905) compared to the intervention group (2.607).
- Prevotella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Stenotrophomonas, and Veillonella were abundant bacterial taxa.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged mechanical ventilation is linked to pulmonary microbiome alterations, with reduced diversity observed in the control group.
- Oral suctioning intervention shows potential in mitigating oral-tracheal bacterial transmission.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
493
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
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...
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...
493
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
2.3K
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
2.3K
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
423
Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
423
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
1.7K
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
1.7K
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
1.7K
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
1.7K
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
571
The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
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:
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:
571