Abstract

RODRIGUEZ ACOSTA, Carmen  and  MARTINEZ PEREZ, Jorge Luis. Vigilancia microbiológica en infecciones respiratorias bajas. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2002, vol.40, n.3, pp.189-202. ISSN 0253-1751.

A bacteriological study of the sputum was conducted in patients with infection of the lower respiratory tract in order to identify the germs involved and to know the resistance of those antimicrobial drugs that are more frequently used in our environment. The samples were previously selected by Gram staining and a quantitative culture and a bacterial identification were performed. Bacterial growth was observed in 48 % of the studied patients. There was a predominance of Gram negative germs, mainly pseudomonas and enterobacteria. The resistance to antimicrobial drugs varied according to the isolated germ. It was concluded that this sputum validation method should be established as a quality control of the sample and that quantitative culture methods should be also used to know in a systematic way the identification of germs circulating in the hospital atmosphere and their susceptibility and resistance to antibiotics.

Keywords : GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIAL INFECTIONS; SPUTUM [microbiology]; RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS [diagnosis]; LUNG DISEASES [diagnosis]; DRUG RESISTANCE, MICROBIAL.