The ongoing challenge of ventilator-associated pneumonia: epidemiology, prevention, and risk factors for mortality in a secondary care hospital intensive care unit

Concerted efforts to implement a VAP prevention bundle did not significantly reduce the incidence or improve outcomes of VAP in this secondary care hospital setting. The microbiological etiology remained unchanged. Monitoring lymphocyte count and albumin level may help identify patients at high mortality risk. Further research is needed to develop more effective VAP prevention and management strategies.