Utility of Gram's Stain and Efficacy of Quantitative Cultures for Posttraumatic Pneumonia

Abstract

Bronchoscopy with BAL is an effective method to diagnose PN and avoids prolonged, unnecessary antibiotic therapy. Empiric therapy should be adjusted to the duration of the intensive care unit stay because the causative bacteria flora changes over time. GS of BAL effluent correlates poorly with quantitative cultures and is not reliable for dictating empiric therapy.