Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 30(1): 061-066
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1119810
Published by Thieme Medical Publishers

The Role of Gram-Negative Bacteria in Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia

Marcos I. Restrepo1 , 2 , 3 , Antonio Anzueto1 , 2
  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Division, San Antonio, Texas
  • 2Department of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
  • 3VERDICT at HSR&D center, San Antonio, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is a unique entity that differs from community-acquired pneumonia in both bacteriology and outcomes and has similarities to hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia. HCAP patients are at higher risk of potential multidrug-resistant pathogens, including resistant gram-negative organisms, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp., but also extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). This manuscript reviews the epidemiology, etiology, and clinical outcomes of hospitalized HCAP patients due to gram-negative bacteria. We will focus our attention on the potential multidrug-resistant pathogens to suggest a new treatment approach for these patients.

REFERENCES

Marcos I RestrepoM.D. M.Sc. 

VERDICT (11C6) at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy Division at San Antonio

7400 Merton Minter Blvd., San Antonio TX 78284

Email: restrepom@uthscsa.edu