Abstract

"Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a complication with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Inadequate antibiotic treatment is a risk factor of mortality which can be improved. For this reason it is important to know the local etiology of VAP. During a one year-period we investigated the etiology of VAP in a teaching hospital. Forty eight VAP were included, of which 19 were women. The median age was 59.5 (range 17-91 years), twelve VAP were early onset. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the main microorganism isolated, regardless of timing of diagnosis of VAP, followed by polimicrobial etiology, Acinetobacter sp and P. aeruginosa. Etiology was not associated with comorbidity; however previous antibiotic use was related with MRSA and polymicrobial etiology. Mortality was 35% and was mainly associated with P. aeruginosa isolation. Conclusion: MRSA was the main cause of VAP regardless of the timing of its occurrence"