Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Direct E-test (AB Biodisk) of respiratory samples improves antimicrobial use in ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is the most frequently observed nosocomial infection in intensive care units, and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early microbiological diagnosis and the initial administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy are associated with decreased mortality and potentially reduced costs. Our study evaluates the clinical and financial impact of performing rapid antimicrobial susceptibility tests directly on samples obtained from the lower respiratory tract. ⋯ A rapid E-test of respiratory tract samples improves antimicrobial use in cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia.