Incidence, Risk Factors and Microbiological Profile of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Patients in ICU in Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: VAP, or ventilator-associated pneumonia, is one of the most common ICU-acquired diseases and a significant cause of mortality among Intensive Care Unit patients. Infectious illnesses are currently underestimated in the South Asian Region, which has limited health resources. Objective: To examine the incidence of VAP, risk factors associated and the microbiological profile in ICU patients in tertiary care hospitals. Methods: A total of 114 patients under mechanical who satisfied all inclusion criteria were selected. Detailed history, investigations were undertaken. The diagnosis of VAP was made according to clinical and laboratory findings (as per CDC criteria) and incidence was derived from the number of patients developing VAP out of the total number of patients on ventilatory support in ICU. Results: We included 114 patients in our study. Out of 114 patients, the majority were above 70 years age group Mean age of study population was 61.29±13.42 years. Out of 114, 80 patients i.e. 70.2% were males and 34(29.8%) were females. Male: female ratio was 2.3:1. Klebsiella Pneumonia was a commonly observed organism in cultures i.e. 30.7%, followed by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in 27.2% and Acinetobacter Baumani in 19.3%. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Klebsiella Pneumonia showed resistance to Carbapenemase in 20(57.1%) cases and to ESBL in 15(42.9%) cases. Death rate in our study was 17.5% Conclusion: The outcome of VAP depends on rapid identification of the causative microorganism. Empirical therapy based on knowledge of the most prevalent microorganisms and their resistance pattern has an impact on lowering morbidity and mortality, shortening the length of hospital stay, lowering of treatment expenses, and prevents the development of MDR bacteria in patients with VAP.