Risk factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in the early twenty-first century

Excerpt

Along with Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) heads the list of pathogens associated with Hospital-acquired pneumonia [1‐3]. Indeed, even in patients with appropriate empiric antibiotic administration [3], the attributable mortality has been estimated to be 13.5 %. In survivors, PSA increases ICU length of stay and use of healthcare resources. In the early twenty-first century, the increase and dissemination of clones with progressive resistance are a cause of concern. In an international study of over 1,200 ICUs in 75 countries, the risk of infections, including those due to Pseudomonas species, was found to increase with duration of ICU stay; moreover, infection was also associated with an increased risk of mortality [1]. Therefore, understanding the epidemiology of this pathogen and identifying the risk factors the development of pneumonia should be a priority in research, and has obvious implications for infection control/prevention and therapy. …