Ventilator associated pneumonia: analyses of volatile fingerprints for identification of causative microorganisms, assessment of anti-fungals and use of in vitro models for early clinical sample prediction

摘要

This study has involved the analysis of volatile fingerprints using a hybrid electronicnose (e-nose) to discriminate between and diagnose the microorganisms which causeventilator–associated pneumonia (VAP), one of the most important infections in thehospital environment. This infection occurs in hospitalised patients with 48-72 hrs ofmechanical ventilation. VAP diagnostics still remains a problem due to the lack of aprecise diagnostic tool. The current tests are mostly based on quantitative cultures ofsamples from the lower lung airways with clinical findings, which do not often result inaccurate diagnoses of the disease. Cont/d.