The bug does not stop here: The exasperating problem of ventilator associated pneumonia

Microbiological criteria are optional, but if used, at least one of the following must be present: a positive blood culture not related to another source of infection, positive growth in a culture of pleural fluid, a positive quantitative culture from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) [>104 colony-forming units (CFU)], or >103 CFU/mL from a protected brush specimen, 5% or more cells with intracellular bacteria on direct microscopic examination of gram-stained BAL fluid, or histopathological evidence of pneumonia. Apart from the basic pathology, VAP contributes significantly to the mortality of the patients. [...]all the preventive strategies should be employed to whatever extent they might help. [...]education of the staff including the doctors, frequent surveillance, focusing on accurate diagnosis, and shortening the duration of therapy go a long way in preventing the VAP. 1.