ABSTRACT
Nosocomial pneumonia remains a common problem and is the leading cause of death among
patients with nosocomial infection. However, the initial empiric therapy of nosocomial
pneumonia is directed at the leading organisms common to all patients, and for many
patients monotherapy is adequate for at least 48 hours, at which time the microbiological
results of appropriate diagnostic procedures should be known and the treatment can
be focused. The currently available antimicrobial agents such as third- and fourth-generation
cephalosporins, piperacillin plus tazobactam, carbapenems, and some fluoroquinolones
are highly active and bactericidal. They should be used in consideration of current
pharmacodynamic knowledge, which will lead to convincing clinical results. Combination
of antibiotics is necessary only in specific situations or for the amelioration of
special pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., and against mixed aerobic and anaerobic infections.
KEYWORD
Nosocomial pneumonia - monotherapy - efficacy