Endotracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis: interchangeable diagnostic modalities in suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia?

Non-invasive detection of Aspergillosis in ventilated patients: Galactomannan analysis in exhaled breath

This study evaluates the non-invasive diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis Pneumonia (IPA) in mechanically ventilated patients by measuring galactomannan (GM) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Utilizing a rat model and a novel EBC collection device, we compared GM levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and EBC, supplemented by cytokine profiling. Analysis of 75 patients confirmed the device's efficacy, with EBC-GM and BALF-GM showing high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.88). The threshold of 0.235 ng/ml for EBC-GM achieved 92.8 % sensitivity and 66.7 % specificity, with a strong correlation (r = 0.707, P < 0.001) with BALF-GM. This approach offers a safe, effective alternative to invasive diagnostics, enhancing precision with IL-6 and TNF-α measurements. The number registered on clinicaltrails.gov is NCT06333379.

Single-Cell Profiling of Premature Neonate Airways Reveals a Continuum of Myeloid Differentiation

Single-cell genomic technologies hold great potential to advance our understanding of lung development and disease. A major limitation lies in accessing intact cells from primary lung tissues for profiling human airway health. Sampling methods such as endotracheal aspiration that are compatible with clinical interventions could enable longitudinal studies, the enrollment of large cohorts, and the development of novel diagnostics. To explore single-cell RNA sequencing profiling of the cell types present at birth in the airway lumen of extremely premature neonates (<28 wk gestation), we isolated cells from endotracheal aspirates collected from intubated neonates within the first hour after birth. We generated data on 10 subjects, providing a rich view of airway luminal biology at a critical developmental period. Our results show that cells present in the airways of premature neonates primarily represent a continuum of myeloid differentiation, including fetal monocytes (25% of total), intermediate myeloid populations (48%), and macrophages (2.6%). Applying trajectory analysis to the myeloid populations, we identified two trajectories consistent with the developmental stages of interstitial and alveolar macrophages, as well as a third trajectory presenting an alternative pathway bridging the distinct macrophage precursors. The three trajectories share many dynamic genes (N = 5,451), but also have distinct transcriptional changes (259 alveolar-specific, 666 interstitial-specific, and 285 bridging-specific). Overall, our results define cells isolated within the so-called "golden hour of birth" in extremely premature neonate airways, representing complex lung biology, and can be used in studies of human development and disease.

Nonbronchoscopic Bronchoalveolar Lavage Improves Respiratory Culture Accuracy in Critically Ill Patients

OBJECTIVES

Diagnosis of pneumonia is challenging in critically ill, intubated patients due to limited diagnostic modalities. Endotracheal aspirate (EA) cultures are standard of care in many ICUs; however, frequent EA contamination leads to unnecessary antibiotic use. Nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (NBBL) obtains sterile, alveolar cultures, avoiding contamination. However, paired NBBL and EA sampling in the setting of a lack of gold standard for airway culture is a novel approach to improve culture accuracy and limit antibiotic use in the critically ill patients.

DESIGN

We designed a pilot study to test respiratory culture accuracy between EA and NBBL. Adult, intubated patients with suspected pneumonia received concurrent EA and NBBL cultures by registered respiratory therapists. Respiratory culture microbiology, cell counts, and antibiotic prescribing practices were examined.

SETTING

We performed a prospective pilot study at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Medical ICU in Cleveland, Ohio for 22 months from May 2021 through March 2023.

PATIENTS OR SUBJECTS

Three hundred forty mechanically ventilated patients with suspected pneumonia were screened. Two hundred fifty-seven patients were excluded for severe hypoxia (Fio2 ≥ 80% or positive end-expiratory pressure ≥ 12 cm H2O), coagulopathy, platelets less than 50,000, hemodynamic instability as determined by the treating team, and COVID-19 infection to prevent aerosolization of the virus.

INTERVENTIONS

All 83 eligible patients were enrolled and underwent concurrent EA and NBBL.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

More EA cultures (42.17%) were positive than concurrent NBBL cultures (26.51%, p = 0.049), indicating EA contamination. The odds of EA contamination increased by eight-fold 24 hours after intubation. EA was also more likely to be contaminated with oral flora when compared with NBBL cultures. There was a trend toward decreased antibiotic use in patients with positive EA cultures if paired with a negative NBBL culture. Alveolar immune cell populations were recovered from NBBL samples, indicating successful alveolar sampling. There were no major complications from NBBL.

CONCLUSIONS

NBBL is more accurate than EA for respiratory cultures in critically ill, intubated patients. NBBL provides a safe and effective technique to sample the alveolar space for both clinical and research purposes.

Ventilator-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Pneumonia in a Patient with a Negative MRSA Nasal Swab

BACKGROUND Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, MRSA testing by nasal swab has been utilized to "exclude" pneumonia caused by MRSA, given its high negative-predictive value (NPV). We present, however, a case of MRSA pneumonia diagnosed by endotracheal aspirate culture (EAC) in a patient with a negative MRSA nasal swab. CASE REPORT A 58-year-old woman presented with septic shock and respiratory failure. Chest X-ray (CXR) on admission was unrevealing; however, computed tomography (CT) revealed multifocal pneumonia. Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-level care was required for mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. She initially improved with treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and was extubated on hospital day 6; however, she then developed a fever, tachycardia, and respiratory distress necessitating re-intubation later that day. Repeat CXR demonstrated a new left lower lobe infiltrate. Blood cultures were drawn and vancomycin and cefepime were started to cover for ventilator-associated pathogens. An EAC and nasal swab were collected to test for MRSA. The next day (day 7), the MRSA nasal swab returned negative, and vancomycin was discontinued. Our patient continued to experience fevers, worsening leukocytosis, and ongoing vasopressor need. On hospital day 9, the EAC results were obtained, and were positive for MRSA. Vancomycin was restarted and our patient recovered. CONCLUSIONS Negative MRSA nasal screening may be considered grounds to de-escalate empiric MRSA antibiotics if MRSA prevalence is low. However, in critically ill patients with high risk and suspicion for MRSA pneumonia, discontinuing empiric MRSA coverage should be done with caution or clinicians should wait until respiratory culture results are obtained before de-escalating antibiotics.

A retrospective analysis of the 5-year trends of antimicrobial resistance in gram-negative bacterial isolates from an intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital

Background

Intensive care units (ICUs) in developing countries constitute a high risk for patients acquiring infection by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). The rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an increasing range of infections. The present study analyzed the local trends of AMR in Gram-negative isolates of ICU patients from a tertiary care facility in North India.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted over 5 years (January 2018-December 2022). All bacterial isolates from patients admitted to ICU during the study period were included in the study, and their AMR pattern was analyzed. In addition, sensitivity trends of different antimicrobials against the common Gram-negative bacteria were analyzed, and AMR trends were analyzed over the study period.

Results

Klebsiella spp. was the most common isolate in samples received from ICU. A rise of carbapenem-resistant microorganisms was observed over the study period. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. showed around 10% and a 17% decrease in susceptibility to carbapenems, respectively. In contrast, a marked 29% decrease in sensitivity to carbapenems was observed in Acinetobacter spp.

Conclusion

The inception of integrated stewardship measures has shown a rising trend in susceptibility and is the need of the hour to prevent the spread of MDROs. Surveillance studies help us understand the impact of AMR in hospitals and help plan prevention programs.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention in Pediatric Patients: Narrative Review

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), one of the most common healthcare-associated infections in intensive care settings, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. VAP is diagnosed in >10% of patients on mechanical ventilation, incidence rising with number of ventilator days. In recent decades, the pathophysiology of VAP, VAP risk factors and treatment have been extensively studied. In critically ill pediatric patients, mechanical issues such as insufficient tightness of the ventilator circuit (mainly due to historically based preference of uncuffed tubes) and excessive humidity in the circuit are both significant risk factors of VAP development. Protocol-based approaches to critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, closed suctioning, upper body position, enteral feeding and selective gastric acid suppression medication have a beneficial effect on VAP incidence. In recent decades, cuffed tubes applied to the whole spectrum of critically ill pediatric patients (except neonates <2700 g of weight), together with cuff-oriented nursing care including proper cuff-pressure (<20 cm H2O) management and the use of specialized tracheal tubes with subglottic suction ports combined with close infraglottic tracheal suctioning, have been implemented. The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence-based knowledge about the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of VAP in clinically oriented settings.

Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Patient Samples for Contemporary Immunology and Metabolomics Studies

Due to the severity of COVID-19 disease, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization recommend that manipulation of active viral cultures of SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory secretions from COVID-19 patients be performed in biosafety level (BSL)3 laboratories. Therefore, it is imperative to develop viral inactivation procedures that permit samples to be transferred to lower containment levels (BSL2), while maintaining the fidelity of complex downstream assays to expedite the development of medical countermeasures. In this study, we demonstrate optimal conditions for complete viral inactivation following fixation of infected cells with commonly used reagents for flow cytometry, UVC inactivation in sera and respiratory secretions for protein and Ab detection, heat inactivation following cDNA amplification for droplet-based single-cell mRNA sequencing, and extraction with an organic solvent for metabolomic studies. Thus, we provide a suite of viral inactivation protocols for downstream contemporary assays that facilitate sample transfer to BSL2, providing a conceptual framework for rapid initiation of high-fidelity research as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Bronchoalveolar lavage of ventilator-associated pneumonia patients for antibiotic resistance and susceptibility test

Background and Aims

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is highly prevalent nosocomial infection among patients under mechanical ventilation. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is effective in identifying the type of pathogen involved and determine the course of antibiotic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different pathogens involved in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and associated antibiotic resistance and sensitivity pattern.

Methods

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, patients admitted to the intensive care unit under mechanical ventilation at Shahid Madani Educational and Medical Center in Karaj during 2018 and 2020 were included. BAL samples were obtained from the patients. Demographic data, duration of hospitalization, duration of mechanical ventilation, and antibiotic susceptibility and resistance tests were recorded for all the patients.

Results

Among 335 patients included in the study, 215 (64.2%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 55.06 ± 14.90 years. The most common pathogens reported were Acinetobacter baumannii (40%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (13.4%). The mean age of the patients, gender, duration of mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospitalization were not associated with the type of pathogen, P > .05, respectively.

Conclusion

BAL of these patients indicated that various pathogens are responsible for VAP, and can vary from patient to patient. Antibiotic resistance and susceptibility pattern of these pathogens vary and therefore is important in determining the course of the treatment.

Systematic review of studies investigating ventilator associated pneumonia diagnostics in intensive care

Background

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an important diagnosis in critical care. VAP research is complicated by the lack of agreed diagnostic criteria and reference standard test criteria. Our aim was to review which reference standard tests are used to evaluate novel index tests for suspected VAP.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search using electronic databases and hand reference checks. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, and web of science were searched from 2008 until November 2018. All terms related to VAP diagnostics in the intensive treatment unit were used to conduct the search. We adopted a checklist from the critical appraisal skills programme checklist for diagnostic studies to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results

We identified 2441 records, of which 178 were selected for full-text review. Following methodological examination and quality assessment, 44 studies were included in narrative data synthesis. Thirty-two (72.7%) studies utilised a sole microbiological reference standard; the remaining 12 studies utilised a composite reference standard, nine of which included a mandatory microbiological criterion. Histopathological criteria were optional in four studies but mandatory in none.

Conclusions

Nearly all reference standards for VAP used in diagnostic test research required some microbiological confirmation of infection, with BAL culture being the most common reference standard used.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-021-01560-0.

A qualitative assessment of the diagnosis and management of ventilator-associated pneumonia among critical care clinicians exploring opportunities for diagnostic stewardship

BACKGROUND

Prompt diagnosis and intervention for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is critical but can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated healthcare provider (HCP) perceptions and challenges associated with VAP diagnosis, and we sought to identify opportunities for diagnostic stewardship.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study of 30 HCPs at a tertiary-care hospital. Participants included attending physicians, residents and fellows (trainees), advanced practice providers (APPs), and pharmacists. Interviews were composed of open-ended questions in 4 sections: (1) clinical suspicion and thresholds for respiratory culture ordering, (2) preferences for respiratory sample collection, (3) culture report interpretation, and (4) VAP diagnosis and treatment. Interviews transcripts were analyzed using Nvivo 12 software, and responses were organized into themes.

RESULTS

Overall, 10 attending physicians (75%) and 16 trainees (75%) trainees and APPs believed they were overdiagnosing VAP; this response was frequent among HCPs in practice 5-10 years (91%, n = 12). Increased identification of bacteria as a result of frequent respiratory culturing, misinterpretation of culture data, and fear of missing diagnosis were recognized as drivers of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Although most HCPs rely on clinical and radiographic changes to initiate work-up, the fear of missing a diagnosis leads to sending cultures even in the absence of those changes.

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs believe that VAP overdiagnosis and overtreatment are common due to fear of missing diagnosis, overculturing, and difficulty distinguishing colonization from infection. Although we identified opportunities for diagnostic stewardship, interventions influencing the ordering of cultures and starting antimicrobials will need to account for strongly held beliefs and ICU practices.

Molecular Profiling of Innate Immune Response Mechanisms in Ventilator-associated Pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common hospital-acquired infection, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Currently, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is used in hospitals for VAP diagnosis and guiding treatment options. Although BAL collection procedures are invasive, alternatives such as endotracheal aspirates (ETA) may be of diagnostic value, however, their use has not been thoroughly explored. Longitudinal ETA and BAL were collected from 16 intubated patients up to 15 days, of which 11 developed VAP. We conducted a comprehensive LC-MS/MS based proteome and metabolome characterization of longitudinal ETA and BAL to detect host and pathogen responses to VAP infection. We discovered a diverse ETA proteome of the upper airways reflective of a rich and dynamic host-microbe interface. Prior to VAP diagnosis by microbial cultures from BAL, patient ETA presented characteristic signatures of reactive oxygen species and neutrophil degranulation, indicative of neutrophil mediated pathogen processing as a key host response to the VAP infection. Along with an increase in amino acids, this is suggestive of extracellular membrane degradation resulting from proteolytic activity of neutrophil proteases. The metaproteome approach successfully allowed simultaneous detection of pathogen peptides in patients' ETA, which may have potential use in diagnosis. Our findings suggest that ETA may facilitate early mechanistic insights into host-pathogen interactions associated with VAP infection and therefore provide its diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluation of pulmonary complications in patients undergoing allogenic stem cell transplantation

Background

Mature blood cells can be differentiated from hematopoietic stem cells; thus, the latter can play a crucial role in maintaining defense against different microorganisms. Thus, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is one of the most important lines of immunotherapy. Major systemic complications may occur post transplantation and could be fatal. Pulmonary complications include infectious and non-infectious complications. The aim of this study was to detect the pulmonary complications in allogeneic stem cell transplantation patients.

Results

We studied 20 patients after transplantation of allogeneic stem cells with regular follow-up in outpatient clinic of hematology department of Alexandria Main University Hospital. All the studied patients were subjected to history taking, plain x-ray chest PA view, CT chest, complete blood count, serum creatinine, liver enzymes, and serum cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection by antibodies IgG and IgM. Regarding sputum sampling, 7 patients’ samples (35%) were obtained either spontaneously or by induction via hypertonic saline 3%. One patient (5%) had miniBAL done, while bronchoalveolar lavage using fiber optic bronchoscopy was done for 2 patients (10%). Samples could not be obtained from the remaining patients. Samples were analyzed for culture for bacteria, Pneumocystis jiroveci using immunofluorescence test, CMV PCR, fungal culture, and smear for acid fast bacilli (AFB). Among the examined patients, 2 patients (20%) had pulmonary bacterial infection including streptococcus and multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella, 3 patients (30%) had pulmonary candida infection, and one patient (10%) had positive result of pulmonary CMV of low count which was considered insignificant. None of our patients had positive results for pulmonary tuberculosis nor Pneumocystis jiroveci. Six patients (30%) had CMV in serum; 3 patients (15.8%) had manifested CMV reactivation. One patient (5%) of our patients had pulmonary graft versus host disease GVHD. One patient (5%) had died during our study course within 12 days post-transplantation due to ARDS followed by multiple organ failure.

Conclusion

The prevalence of pulmonary infectious complications after allogenic stem cell transplantation was 50% of all studied patients, while 5% of the studied patients presented with non-infectious pulmonary complications.

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for antibiotic stewardship in suspected pneumonia

Background

Multiplexed molecular rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) may allow for rapid and accurate diagnosis of the microbial etiology of pneumonia. However, little data are available on multiplexed RDTs in pneumonia and their impact on clinical practice.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 659 hospitalized patients for microbiological diagnosis of suspected pneumonia.

Results

The overall sensitivity of the Unyvero LRT Panel was 85.7% (95% CI 82.3–88.7) and the overall specificity was 98.4% (95% CI 98.2–98.7) with a negative predictive value of 97.9% (95% CI 97.6–98.1). The LRT Panel result predicted no change in antibiotics in 12.4% of cases but antibiotic de-escalation in 65.9% (405/615) of patients, of whom 278/405 (69%) had unnecessary MRSA coverage and 259/405 (64%) had unnecessary P. aeruginosa coverage.

Interpretation

In hospitalized adults with suspected pneumonia, use of an RDT on respiratory samples can allow for early adjustment of initial antibiotics, most commonly de-escalation.

Antibiotic resistance and sensitivity pattern of Metallo-β-Lactamase Producing Gram-Negative Bacilli in ventilator-associated pneumonia in the intensive care unit of a public medical school hospital in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICU), accounting for 25% of all ICU infections. Antimicrobial resistance is increasing and becoming a significant health problem worldwide, increasing hospital length of stay, mortality and costs. Identifying antibiotic resistance patterns in VAP is important as this can cause outbreaks in ICUs. To date, there have been limited studies assessing this in Bangladesh. Consequently, the primary objective of this research was to study the species of bacterial growth and to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns of Metallo-β-Lactamase (MBL) producing gram-negative bacilli among ICU patients with VAP in a public medical school hospital, Bangladesh. In addition, identify the factors associated with a positive culture to provide future guidance.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study performed in the Chattogram Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Mueller Hinton agar plates were used for antibiotic sensitivity testing by the Kirby-Buer disc diffusion test.

RESULTS

Among 105 clinically suspected VAP cases, qualitative cultures were positive in 95 (90%) of them. The most common bacteria identified were Acinetobacter spp. (43.2%), Klebsiella spp. (20%) and Pseudomonas spp. (18.9%). A positive culture was not associated with patients' age or gender. Among 41 isolated Acinetobacter spp., 38 (92.7%) were resistant to gentamicin followed by 36 (87.8%) to ceftriaxone. Among 24 isolated Klebsiella spp., 22 (83.3%) were resistant to ceftriaxone. Among 18 isolated Pseudomonas spp., 16 (88.8%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin, and 13 (72.2%) were resistant to ceftriaxone. Among nine isolated E. coli, all were resistant to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. All four Proteus spp. (100%) isolated were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Additionally, phenotype MBL producing was 65.22% and genotype was 45.65% among imipenem resistant pathogens. Imipenem resistant pathogens were sensitive to amoxyclav, amikacin¸ azithromycin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, colistin and gentamycin.

CONCLUSION

A positive culture was detected in 90% of VAP patients, but it was not associated with the patients' age and gender. The most common bacteria identified were Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas spp., where the majority of these were resistant to ceftriaxone. The results are being used to provide future guidance on the empiric management of VAP in this hospital.

Comparative Study of CDST & Multiplex PCR to Detect MBL Producing Gram-Negative Bacilli among VAP Patients Admitted in a Public Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICU), which accounts for 25% of all ICU infection. Documenting carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli is very important as these strains may often cause outbreaks in the ICU setting and are responsible for the increased mortality and morbidity or limiting therapeutic options. The classical phenotypic method cannot provide an efficient means of diagnosis of the metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) producer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have lessened the importance of the phenotypic approach by detecting metallo-β-lactamase resistance genes such as New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM), Imipenemase (IMP), Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM), Sao Paulo metallo-β-lactamase (SPM), Germany Imipenemase (GIM). Objective: To compare the results of the Combined Disc Synergy Test (CDST) with that of the multiplex PCR to detect MBL-producing gram-negative bacilli. Materials and Method: A total of 105 endotracheal aspirates (ETA) samples were collected from the ICU of a public school in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Chittagong for quantitative culture, CDST test, and multiplex PCR for bla_IMP, bla_VIM, bla_NDM genes of MBL producers. Results: Among the 105 clinically suspected VAP cases, the quantitative culture was positive in 95 (90%) and among 95 g-negative bacilli isolated from VAP patients, 46 (48.42%) were imipenem resistant, 30 (65.22%) were MBL producers by CDST, 21 (45.65%) were identified as MBL producers by multiplex PCR. Conclusion: PCR was highly sensitive and specific for the detection of MBL producers.

A Guide to Bacterial Culture Identification And Results Interpretation

PURPOSE

To provide a guide to interpreting bacterial culture results.

METHODS

Studies were identified via a PubMed literature search (from 1966 to January 2018). Search terms included microbial sensitivity tests, microbial drug resistance, and anti-infective agents/pharmacology. Articles were included if they were published in English. References within identified articles were also reviewed.

RESULTS

This paper reviewed core concepts of interpreting bacterial culture results, including timing of cultures, common culture sites, potential for contamination, interpreting the Gram stain, role of rapid diagnostic tests, conventional antibiotic susceptibility testing, and automated testing.

CONCLUSION

This guide can assist pharmacists in their role as integral members of the antimicrobial stewardship team in an effort to improve patient care.

Indications, clinical outcomes and complications of 1,949 flexible bronchoscopies

OBJECTIVE

To describe indications, clinical outcomes and complications of flexible bronchoscopy.

METHODS

A descriptive observational study of bronchoscopies performed at the endoscopy service of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein . Demographic (age, gender and origin) and medical (indications and results of endoscopy and diagnostic tests, such as biopsy collection, lavage, cytology and culture) data were analyzed. Electronic medical records with incomplete data or reporting interventional procedures were excluded.

RESULTS

Over a three-year period (2013 to 2016), a total of 1,949 bronchoscopies were performed by respiratory endoscopy team and anesthesia specialists of the hospital. The mean age of patients was 57.7±21.9 years (range of 3 days to 99 years), with prevalence of males (56.4%). The procedures were mostly (86.3%) elective and 30.7% were carried out in the intensive care unit. Major indications for bronchoscopy were infection or secretion (42.4%), followed by suspected neoplasm (10.8%). Endoscopic changes were reported in 91.9% of cases, with more than one change described in approximately 6.9% of patients. Positive results were obtained via direct testing or culture in 36.3% and 53.9% of 1,399 bronchoalveolar lavages, respectively. The overall diagnostic yield (bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy) was 72.6%. Mild adverse event rate was 7.2%. The rate of severe adverse events requiring additional intervention was 0.5% (pneumothorax, 0.4%; severe bleeding with patient death, 0.1%).

CONCLUSION

Lower airway endoscopy is critical for respiratory disease assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Flexible bronchoscopy is associated with good diagnostic yield and minimal inherent risk.

Variations of the lung microbiome and immune response in mechanically ventilated surgical patients

Mechanically ventilated surgical patients have a variety of bacterial flora that are often undetectable by traditional culture methods. The source of infection in many of these patients remains unclear. To address this clinical problem, the microbiome profile and host inflammatory response in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from the surgical intensive care unit were examined relative to clinical pathology diagnoses. The hypothesis was tested that clinical diagnosis of respiratory tract flora were similar to culture positive lavage samples in both microbiome and inflammatory profile. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected in the surgical intensive care unit as standard of care for intubated individuals with a clinical pulmonary infection score of >6 or who were expected to be intubated for >48 hours. Cytokine analysis was conducted with the Bioplex Pro Human Th17 cytokine panel. The microbiome of the samples was sequenced for the 16S rRNA region using the Ion Torrent. Microbiome diversity analysis showed the culture-positive samples had the lowest levels of diversity and culture negative with the highest based upon the Shannon-Wiener index (culture positive: 0.77 ± 0.36, respiratory tract flora: 2.06 ± 0.73, culture negative: 3.97 ± 0.65). Culture-negative samples were not dominated by a single bacterial genera. Lavages classified as respiratory tract flora were more similar to the culture-positive in the microbiome profile. A comparison of cytokine expression between groups showed increased levels of cytokines (IFN-g, IL-17F, IL-1B, IL-31, TNF-a) in culture-positive and respiratory tract flora groups. Culture-positive samples exhibited a more robust immune response and reduced diversity of bacterial genera. Lower cytokine levels in culture-negative samples, despite a greater number of bacterial species, suggest a resident nonpathogenic bacterial community may be indicative of a normal pulmonary environment. Respiratory tract flora samples were most similar to the culture-positive samples and may warrant classification as culture-positive when considering clinical treatment.

Cell Count Analysis from Nonbronchoscopic Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVES

To establish the reference values, diagnostic accuracy, and effect of various factors on cell count in intubated preterm neonates subjected to nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective, cross-sectional, blinded study included preterm neonates ventilated for any reason who underwent nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage if they had not previously received postnatal antibiotics or steroids. Lavage was performed before surfactant replacement, if any. A gentle ventilation policy was applied. Pneumonia was diagnosed using clinical criteria, without considering cell count. Investigators performing cell counts were blinded to the clinical data.

RESULTS

There were 276 neonates enrolled; 36 had congenital or ventilator-associated pneumonia. In the 240 noninfected babies, median neutrophil count increased significantly after the first 2 days of ventilation (day 1, 2 cells per field [IQR, 0.0-9.5 cells per field]; day 2, 2 cells per field [IQR, 0-15 cells per field]; day 3, 20 cells per field [IQR, 2-99 cells per field]; day 4, 15 cells per field [IQR, 2-96 cells per field]; P < .0001). No significant difference was seen over time in infected babies. Multivariate analysis indicated pneumonia (standardized β = 0.134; P = .033) and the time spent under mechanical ventilation before nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage as factors significantly influencing neutrophil count (standardized β = 0.143; P = .027). Neutrophil count was correlated with the duration of ventilation (rho = 0.28; P <.001). Neutrophil counts were higher in infected (24 cells/field [IQR, 5-78] cells/field) than in noninfected babies (4 cells/field [IQR, 1-24 cells/field]; P <.001) and had an moderate reliability for pneumonia within the first 2 days of ventilation (area under the curve, 0.745; (95% CI, 0.672-0.810; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

We provide reference values for airway neutrophil counts in ventilated preterm neonates. Bronchoalveolar lavage neutrophils significantly increase after 2 days of ventilation. Neutrophil count has moderate accuracy to diagnose pneumonia, but only within the first 2 days of ventilation.

Dual purpose fibre – SERS pH sensing and bacterial analysis

A way to incorporate SERS nanosensors on the end of an optical fibre that also allows for the extraction of bacterial samples.

Pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients: no diagnostic and prognostic value of different quantitative tracheal aspirates thresholds

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of pneumonia in ventilated patients is challenging due to the lack of specific and definitive clinical symptoms, laboratory data or radiological abnormalities.

METHODS

Based on quantitative tracheal aspirate (QTA) results, three groups of patients were compared: <10⁵ cfu/ml, ≥10⁵ cfu/ml and <10⁶ cfu/ml, and ≥10⁶ cfu/ml. We recorded demographic variables, underlying diseases and severity of illness at ICU admission. On the day of pneumonia diagnosis, we registered temperature, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) and adequacy of empirical antimicrobial therapy.

RESULTS

In 231 episodes, clinical presentation, laboratory data, severity of illness, CPIS, the presence of bacteremia and radiological score did not differ among the three groups. ICU and hospital mortalities were also similar in the three groups. Factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality were age, SOFA score and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. The bacterial burden in the QTA was not included in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantification of tracheal aspirate samples may not be necessary in ventilated patients clinically suspected of having nosocomial pneumonia.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: The Role of Emerging Diagnostic Technologies

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a key determinant of outcome in patients with serious infections along with the virulence of the underlying pathogen. Within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial infection that is frequently caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing challenge in the care of critically ill patients. Escalating rates of antibiotic resistance add substantially to the morbidity, mortality, and cost related to infection in the ICU. Both gram-positive organisms, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus, and gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter species, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, such as the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing bacteria, and extended spectrum β-lactamase organisms, have contributed to the escalating rates of resistance seen in VAP and other nosocomial infections. The rising rates of antimicrobial resistance have led to the routine empiric administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics even when bacterial infection is not documented. Moreover, there are several new broader-spectrum antibiotics that have recently become available and others scheduled for approval in the near future. The challenge to ICU clinicians is how to most effectively utilize these agents to maximize patient benefits while minimizing further emergence of resistance. Use of rapid diagnostics may hold the key for achieving this important balance. There is an urgent need for integrating the administration of new and existing antibiotics with the emerging rapid diagnostic technologies in a way that is both cost-effective and sustainable for the long run.

Effect of probiotics on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled multicenter trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the potential preventive effect of probiotics on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

METHODS

This was an open-label, randomized, controlled multicenter trial involving 235 critically ill adult patients who were expected to receive mechanical ventilation for ≥48 h. The patients were randomized to receive (1) a probiotics capsule containing live Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis (Medilac-S) 0.5 g three times daily through a nasogastric feeding tube plus standard preventive strategies or (2) standard preventive strategies alone, for a maximum of 14 days. The development of VAP was evaluated daily, and throat swabs and gastric aspirate were cultured at baseline and once or twice weekly thereafter.

RESULTS

The incidence of microbiologically confirmed VAP in the probiotics group was significantly lower than that in the control patients (36.4 vs. 50.4 %, respectively; P = 0.031). The mean time to develop VAP was significantly longer in the probiotics group than in the control group (10.4 vs. 7.5 days, respectively; P = 0.022). The proportion of patients with acquisition of gastric colonization of potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMOs) was lower in the probiotics group (24 %) than the control group (44 %) (P = 0.004). However, the proportion of patients with eradication PPMO colonization on both sites of the oropharynx and stomach were not significantly different between the two groups. The administration of probiotics did not result in any improvement in the incidence of clinically suspected VAP, antimicrobial consumption, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Therapy with the probiotic bacteria B. Subtilis and E. faecalis are an effective and safe means for preventing VAP and the acquisition of PPMO colonization in the stomach.

Composition and dynamics of the respiratory tract microbiome in intubated patients

BACKGROUND

Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a major contributor to respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. LRTI also occurs during mechanical ventilation, increasing the morbidity and mortality of intubated patients. We sought to understand the dynamics of respiratory tract microbiota following intubation and the relationship between microbial community structure and infection.

RESULTS

We enrolled a cohort of 15 subjects with respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation from the medical intensive care unit at an academic medical center. Oropharyngeal (OP) and deep endotracheal (ET) secretions were sampled within 24 h of intubation and every 48-72 h thereafter. Bacterial community profiling was carried out by purifying DNA, PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences, deep sequencing, and bioinformatic community analysis. We compared enrolled subjects to a cohort of healthy subjects who had lower respiratory tract sampling by bronchoscopy. In contrast to the diverse upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract microbiota found in healthy controls, critically ill subjects had lower initial diversity at both sites. Diversity further diminished over time on the ventilator. In several subjects, the bacterial community was dominated by a single taxon over multiple time points. The clinical diagnosis of LRTI ascertained by chart review correlated with low community diversity and dominance of a single taxon. Dominant taxa matched clinical bacterial cultures where cultures were obtained and positive. In several cases, dominant taxa included bacteria not detected by culture, including Ureaplasma parvum and Enterococcus faecalis.

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinal analysis of respiratory tract microbiota in critically ill patients provides insight into the pathogenesis and diagnosis of LRTI. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of endotracheal aspirate samples holds promise for expanded pathogen identification.

Analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath to diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a nosocomial infection occurring in the intensive care unit (ICU). The diagnostic standard is based on clinical criteria and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Exhaled breath analysis is a promising non-invasive method for rapid diagnosis of diseases and contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can differentiate diseased from healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to determine whether analysis of VOCs in exhaled breath can be used as a non-invasive monitoring tool for VAP. One hundred critically ill patients with clinical suspicion of VAP underwent BAL. Before BAL, exhaled air samples were collected and analysed by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-tof-MS). The clinical suspicion of VAP was confirmed by BAL diagnostic criteria in 32 patients [VAP(+)] and rejected in 68 patients [VAP(−)]. Multivariate statistical comparison of VOC profiles between VAP(+) and VAP(−) revealed a subset of 12 VOCs that correctly discriminated between those two patient groups with a sensitivity and specificity of 75.8% ± 13.5% and 73.0% ± 11.8%, respectively. These results suggest that detection of VAP in ICU patients is possible by examining exhaled breath, enabling a simple, safe and non-invasive approach that could diminish diagnostic burden of VAP.

Ventilator-associated Pneumonia caused by commensal oropharyngeal Flora; [corrected] a retrospective Analysis of a prospectively collected Database

Background

The significance of commensal oropharyngeal flora (COF) as a potential cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is scarcely investigated and consequently unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore whether COF may cause VAP.

Methods

Retrospective clinical, microbiological and radiographic analysis of all prospectively collected suspected VAP cases in which bronchoalveolar lavage fluid exclusively yielded ≥ 10⁴ cfu/ml COF during a 9.5-year period. Characteristics of 899 recent intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were used as a reference population.

Results

Out of the prospectively collected database containing 159 VAP cases, 23 patients were included. In these patients, VAP developed after a median of 8 days of mechanical ventilation. The patients faced a prolonged total ICU length of stay (35 days [P < .001]), hospital length of stay (45 days [P = .001]), and a trend to higher mortality (39 % vs. 26 %, [P = .158]; standardized mortality ratio 1.26 vs. 0.77, [P = .137]) compared to the reference population. After clinical, microbiological and radiographic analysis, COF was the most likely cause of respiratory deterioration in 15 patients (9.4 % of all VAP cases) and a possible cause in 2 patients.

Conclusion

Commensal oropharyngeal flora appears to be a potential cause of VAP in limited numbers of ICU patients as is probably associated with an increased length of stay in both ICU and hospital. As COF-VAP develops late in the course of ICU admission, it is possibly associated with the immunocompromised status of ICU patients.

Rapid quantification of Staphylococcus aureus from endotracheal aspirates of ventilated patients: a proof-of-concept study

Major concern for intubated patients is ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Early detection of VAP and its causative microorganism(s) is a key challenge for clinicians. Diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological, and microbiological elements, the latter being provided 24-48h after sampling. According to practices, clinicians can sample endotracheal aspirates (ETAs) so as to check for patient colonization or perform ETA in case of VAP suspicion. In this proof-of-concept study, we report the evaluation of a semiautomated molecular method to rapidly quantify Staphylococcus aureus, one of the most involved microorganisms in VAP, directly from raw ETA samples. After evaluation using artificial ETA samples, our method was applied on 40 clinical ETA samples. All S. aureus-positive samples were successfully detected and quantified. Our method can provide an efficient sample preparation protocol for all raw ETA samples, combined with an accurate quantification of the bacterial load, in less than 3h 30min.