Retrospective Analysis Of Microbial Profiles In Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples From Patients With Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Background:

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) serves as an essential diagnostic technique for acquiring specimens from the lower respiratory tract, proving particularly useful in identifying pathogens responsible for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). This investigation aims to delineate the microbial spectrum present in BAL fluid from patients exhibiting respiratory symptoms and to assess antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to decide on therapeutic strategies in a tertiary care hospital setting.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective cohort study spanning six months was executed at Saveetha Hospital, Chennai, incorporating 93 patients presenting with lower respiratory tract infections. BAL fluid specimens were procured through bronchoscopy and cultured on diverse media. Microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted employing standard microbiological procedures.

Results:

Microbial growth was detected in 51 out of 95 BAL samples (53.7%). Thirteen distinct microbial isolates were identified, with Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.53%), Acinetobacter baumannii (21.57%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.65%) emerging as the most prevalent. A significant majority of the infections were monomicrobial (96.08%). Antibiotic resistance was notably seen in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Conclusion:

The findings underscore the dominance of Gram-negative bacteria in respiratory infections and the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms. These results emphasise the necessity for targeted antimicrobial therapies and ongoing surveillance of resistance trends to enhance patient outcomes and tackle antimicrobial resistance effectively.