Valuation of bacteriological quantitative cultures obtained by broncho-alveolar lavages in ventilator-associated pneumonia

Aims of the study

Quantitative cultures obtained by protected specimen brush (PSB) with at least one microorganism > 10³ cfu/ml were the reference for ventilator-associated pneumonia diagnosis. This prospective study compared the bacteriological results of broncho-alveolar lavages (BAL) to PSB.

Patients and methods

In 100 cases of late ventilator-associated pneumonia (13 ± 4 days of ventilation), we realized PSB then BAL. Seventy-five specimens were realized on antibiotherapy era and 25 without antibiotherapy treatment. We calculated the sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), the positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV), and the efficiency (EFF).

Results

See table.

Conclusion

Quantitative cultures obtained by BAL was an alternative for ventilator-associated nosocomial pneumonia, particularly if the antibiotherapy was stopped before BAL performed.

Table 1

Table 2