Microbiologic profile in bronchiectasis

P. T. King, P. Johnson, N. J. Freezer, S. R. Holdsworth, P. W. Holmes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Adult bronchiectasis is a significant cause of respiratory illness. A systematic review of the microbiologie flora of adult bronchiectasis in Australia has not been done previously. AIM: To characterise the type of bacteria in the sputum of patients who present with an exacerbation of bronchiectasis. METHODS: Sputum samples were collected from a cohort of 100 patients. Standard microscopy, culture and sensitivity were performed; and 30 of the samples were processed for the presence of mycobacteria. Sensitivities for first line antibiotics listed: A=ampicillin, P=penicillin, F=flucloxacillin, G=gentamicin. Isolates were considered significant when there were at least 2+ polymorphs on gram stain with at least moderate growth on culture. RESULTS: 67 of the 100 patients produced a significant isolate. 14% of the cultures produced 2 or more significant isolates Bacteria % Frequency Sensitivity H. influenzae 45% 87% (A) S.pneumoniae 15% 90% (P) S. aureus 14% 78% (F) M. catarrhalis 8% 40% (A) Pseudomonas species 24% 69% (G) Other Gram-ve species 11% 71% (G) Mycobacteria 1% 100% CONCLUSION: This cohort had a wide variety of different bacteria isolated. The presence of Pseudomonas and resistant gram-negative bacteria was strongly associated with hospitalization.

Original languageEnglish
JournalRespirology
Volume6
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2001

Keywords

  • Bronchiectasis
  • H influenzae
  • Sensitivity
  • Sputum

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