[The characteristics of biofilm formation in endotracheal tubes in ventilated patients].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the etiology and drug resistance of biofilms in endotracheal tubes in respiratory intensive care unit (RICU).


METHODS
A prospective cohort study was conducted. The biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy at different times of ventilation. The pathogens were identified and their resistance to antibiotics were analyzed.


RESULTS
Twenty one VAP cases were identified in 39 mechanically ventilated patients (53.85%). Patchy biofilms were observed 2 d to 7 d after the initiation of ventilation. After 7 d to 10 d, 87.5% of the endotracheal tubes were covered by biofilms. Biofilms were identified in all the tubes longer than 10 d.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of VAP increased with prolonged mechanical ventilation. Meanwhile the antibiotic resistance rate increased and more pathogens isolated were consistent with those in the biofilms.
Yan
Xi-Xin
XX
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hebei Medical University Second Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050000, China. yanxixin@hotmail.com
Li
Shuai
S
Qi
Tian-Jie
TJ
Zhang
Lu-Tao
LT
Zhang
Yan-Ping
YP
Yang
Cheng
C
Zhao
Jian-Hong
JH
D000368:Aged; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D014132:Trachea / Q000382:microbiology*