Abstract
Appropriate antibiotics may improve survival in patients with bacterial pneumonia. However, the use of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics in patients without infection is potentially harmful, facilitating colonization and superinfection with multiresistant micro-organisms [1]. In order to achieve these goals most authors recommend starting broad-spectrum antibiotics immediately after a bacteriological sample (plus one or two blood cultures) has been performed [1–5]. This strategy permits a rapid stop of the antibiotic in the event of negative findings and a subsequent de-escalation according to the microorganisms recovered from bacteriological culture [2, 5, 6]. Unfortunately, bacteriology is not available at any time in most ICUs. Consequently one major question is the reliability of bacteriological samples performed after the institution of new antibiotics in patients with recent pulmonary infiltrates compatible with nosocomial pneumonia. The impact of previous antimicrobials used on this strategy is a key matter of concern.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
