Evaluation of Bacteria Isolated from Endotracheal Aspirates of Patients in Intensive Care Units: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

Authors : Cihan Semet

Pages : 26-31

View : 9 | Download : 16

Publication Date : 2025-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: This study aims to analyze the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolates from endotracheal aspirates (ETAs) of intensive care units (ICUs) patients to provide data for combating ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and other nosocomial infections. Material and Method: A retrospective study of ETA samples from ICU patients (January-December 2022) was conducted. Bacteria were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility according to EUCAST criteria. Results: Among 263 isolates, predominant gram-negative bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella spp., gram-positive bacteria included Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. High resistance was noted in Acinetobacter baumannii to ciprofloxacin (96.4%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (97.3%). Staphylococcus epidermidis showed resistance to oxacillin (66.6%) but none to vancomycin or linezolid. Conclusion: The prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens in ETA cultures emphasises the importance of improved surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship and infection control in ICUs.
Keywords : ventilator-associated pneumonia, endotracheal aspirates, antibiotic resistance