Hospital-acquired pneumonia in the non-ICU medical patient

Nosocomial pneumonia (NP) affects about 0.6 to 1.1 non-ICU patients per 100 admissions and has an associated mortality of 30 to 60%. The pathogenesis centers on oropharyngeal bacterial colonization and subsequent aspiration, The most common pathogens are aerobic gram-negative rods and Staphylococcus aureus. Prevention begins with identification of high-risk patients, elevation of the head of the bed to prevent aspiration, and meticulous handwashing, Unfortunately, making a specific microbiologic diagnosis is often difficult and antibiotic selection is usually empiric.