title: Bacterial colonization of the tracheobronchial tree.
abstract: Bacterial colonization of the tracheobronchial tree is a significant problem in hospitalized and chronically ill individuals. Colonization occurs because of both microbial and host factors, with the foremost mechanism being adherence of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria to mucosal epithelial cells. In the pathogenesis of nosocomial pneumonia, colonization appears to be an essential first step. In the diagnostic approach to hospital-acquired pneumonia, a distinction must be made between colonization and true lower respiratory tract infection. Future approaches to the major problem of colonization with gram-negative bacteria will require a better understanding of pathogenesis and employ strategies that not only focus upon limiting the bacterial pathogens but also attempt to improve upon pulmonary defense mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geographic Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Salata
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Ellner
mesh_terms: D001996:Bronchopneumonia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans