The prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia in clinical practice - What can be done to lower the risk?

Abstract

Nosocomial infections are an important and frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. Besides these factors, there are tremendous cost implications (reducing already scarce resources in taking care of our patients). Microorganisms that are resistant to multiple drugs are becoming prevalent worldwide. Common pathogens with resistance include extended spectrum beta lactamase Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia Coli, vancomycin resistant Enterococci and vancomycin intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA), penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and multidrug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is therefore not surprising that antimicrobial resistance is becoming one of the greatest threats to patient health in the 21st century.