Bacterial Growth in Secretions and on Suctioning Equipment of Orally Intubated Patients: A Pilot Study

• DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2002.11.2.141
• Publication Date: 2019-11-26T02:18:07Z
• Authors: Mary Lou Sole; F. Elizabeth Poal...; Jacqueline F. Byers; Jeffery E. Ludy
• Keywords: Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

• Background Contamination of equipment, colonization the oropharynx, and microaspiration secretions are causative factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Suctioning airway management practices may influence development Objectives To identify pathogens associated with pneumonia in oral endotracheal aspirates to evaluate bacterial growth on suctioning equipment. Methods Specimens were collected from 20 subjects who orally intubated at least 24 hours required mechanical ventilation. At baseline, sputum specimens obtained culturing, equipment was changed. mouth, sputum, culturing (n = 18) 48 10). Results After hours, all had potential 67% cultures positive pathogens. devices colonized many same that present mouth. Nearly (94%) tonsil suction within hours. Most gram-positive bacteria. Gram-negative bacteria antibiotic-resistant organisms also several samples. Conclusions The presence most patients supports notion occurs. Colonization is a risk factor used becomes It not known if reusable contributes colonization; however, because exogenous patients’ normal flora, be source cross-contamination.