Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication related to mechanical ventilation in the neonatal period. However, lack of a specific definition and difficulties obtaining noncontaminated samples of the lower respiratory airway render microbiological diagnosis and etiological treatment extremely difficult. Thus far, only few studies have approached VAP using accepted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria and reliable sampling techniques. In recent years, however, the blind-protected bronchoalveolar lavage technique with protected specimen brush and the development of validated biomarkers have attempted to overcome the diagnostic difficulties and assess the response to therapy. This presentation on neonatal VAP aims to stimulate neonatologists� interest in this subtle but serious complication of mechanical ventilation.

Biography

Kartikeya Makker is an Assistant Professor in Nenatology at University of Florida College of Medicine and is the Quality Initiative Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UF Health. He is also a candidate for Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He has several publications, national presentations and has been awarded for Medical Education on numerous occasions.

Email: Kartikeya.Makker@jax.ufl.edu