The role of intestinal colonization with Gram-negative bacteria as a source for intensive care unit-acquired bacteremia

Interesting study published this month (May 2011) in CCM Journal regarding selective digestive tract decontamination aims to eradicate Gram-negative bacteria in both the intestinal tract and respiratory tract. Patients selected were with ICU stay of more than 48 hrs that received selective digestive tract decontamination (n = 2,667), selective oropharyngeal decontamination (n = 2,166) or standard care (n = 1,945).

Results showed that respiratory tract decolonization was associated with a 33% and intestinal tract decolonization was associated with a 45% reduction in the occurrence of intensive care unit-acquired Gram-negative bacteremia.



The role of intestinal colonization with Gram-negative bacteria as a source for intensive care unit-acquired bacteremia - Critical Care Medicine: May 2011 - Volume 39 - Issue 5 - pp 961-966