Diagnostic accuracy of protected specimen brush and bronchoalveolar lavage in nosocomial pneumonia: Impact of previous antimicrobial treatments

Abstract

After recent introduction of an antibiotic treatment for suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia, protected specimen brush and bronchoalveolar lavage culture thresholds must be decreased to maintain good accuracy. In contrast, current antibiotic treatment prescribed for a prior infectious disease does not modify the diagnostic accuracy of protected specimen brush or bronchoalveolar lavage.