Pseudomonas aeruginosa in ventilator associated pneumonia in a critical care unit of Karachi, Pakistan

Objective: To assess the frequency of ventilator-associated Pneumonia secondary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a critical care unit in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Internal Medicine, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi from January to June 2018. A total of 224 patients with an age of 15 to 65 years, kept on ventilation support intended for 48 hours or more were included in the study. Every patient had ETT. An open technique of suction was used for secretions. To confirm pulmonary infection or other chest -related difficulties 48 hours or later of mechanical ventilation, a chest X-ray was performed. For pathogen growth, endotracheal secretions and serum samples were sent for culture. Results: Out of 244 patients, 104 were females and 140 males. Mean age was 43.43 +/- 13.48 years. P. aeruginosa was isolated in 63(25.8%) patients. Duration of onset of pneumonia with significant (p<0.05). No significant association was observed with either age or gender. Conclusion: Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and related species are crucial in emerging of pneumonia in ventilated patients in the critical care unit.