Clinical and Microbiological Profile of Ventilator-Associated Events in a Tertiary Care Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Surveillance Study

Background Ventilator-Associated Events (VAE) are important complications among critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Surveillance of VAE helps identify high-risk patient populations, microbiological trends, and antimicrobial utilization patterns in intensive care units (ICUs). Aim To analyze the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological profile of VAE cases identified in a tertiary care ICU during a one-year surveillance period. Methods A retrospective surveillance-based observational study was conducted using ICU VAE surveillance data collected from January 2024 to December 2024. Demographic characteristics, specialty distribution, VAE classification, microbiological profile, and antimicrobial utilization patterns were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 17 VAE cases were identified during the study period. Male patients accounted for 76.5% of cases. The highest incidence was observed in the 61–80 years age group (64.7%). Neurology patients constituted the largest specialty group with 5 cases. Among VAE categories, 13 cases fulfilled criteria for Ventilator-Associated Condition (VAC), of which 7 progressed to Infection-related Ventilator-Associated Complication (IVAC). No Possible Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (PVAP) cases were identified. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant organism isolated from blood and endotracheal secretions. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, were frequently utilized. Conclusion Elderly and neurological patients represented major high-risk groups for VAE in the present study. Continuous surveillance of VAE provides valuable insight into ICU infection trends, antimicrobial usage, and opportunities for strengthening ventilator care bundle practices and antimicrobial stewardship strategies.