Clinical microbiology in the intensive care unit: Strategic and operational characteristics

Abstract

Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients admitted in intensive care units (ICUs). The application of the principles and the practice of Clinical Microbiology for ICU patients can significantly improve clinical outcome. The present article is aimed at summarising the strategic and operational characteristics of this unique field where medical microbiology attempts to venture into the domain of direct clinical care of critically ill patients. The close and strategic partnership between clinical microbiologists and intensive care specialists, which is essential for this model of patient care have been emphasized. The article includes discussions on a variety of common clinical-microbiological problems faced in the ICUs such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, blood stream infections, skin and soft tissue infection, UTI, infection control, besides antibiotic management.

A Study of Central Venous Catheter Colonizations and Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections among Patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

“…Apart from the clinical and human consequences, the health economic and infection control implications of infection within ICU are huge. 1 Central venous catheters (CVCs) have become essential in the management of critically ill patients, as well as other patient populations who require longterm medical care. 2 Central venous catheters are used to access the vascular system for the delivery of medication, parenteral nutrition, the collection of blood samples, and hemodynamic monitoring.…”

Bacterial colonization of medical equipments: A surveillance study of NICU and PICU instruments

“…Due to various clinical factors as well as life threatening factors the critical ill patients of ICU of neonate and pediatric requires high clinical care and attention. At the point of care contamination occurs via cross transmission from medical equipment, clothing and colonized /infected health care worker/patient [17].…”

Prevalence of nosocomial infections by multidrug resistant organisms in patients admitted to the critical care area of the Regional cancer center, Gujarat, India

“…Knowledge with regard to clinical microbiology of patients admitted in these critical areas can significantly improve clinical outcome. 1 The critical care support offered in hospitals is classified as general ICU, post-operative ICU, cardiothoracic ICU, neuro-ICU, neonatal/paediatric ICU and bone marrow transplant unit.…”