Bacteriophage Therapy of Ventilator-associated Pneumonia and Empyema Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The case study of a 77-year-old woman who underwent a right posterolateral mini-thoracotomy for resection of a right lower lobe adenocarcinoma with mediastinal node sampling is discussed. Her past medical history was significant for a 60 pack-year smoking history and hypersensitivity reactions to multiple antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and macrolides). Tumor excision was macroscopically complete, and an intercostal catheter (ICC) with underwater seal was left in situ. Sputum cultures taken on the day of intubation reported a moderate pure growth of P. aeruginosa susceptible to piperacillin-tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem.