Ventilator associated pneumonia: analyses of volatile fingerprints for identification of causative microorganisms, assessment of anti-fungals and use of in vitro models for early clinical sample prediction

Magan, NareshKendall, CatherinePlanas Pont, Neus2011-06-272011-06-272011-02http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/5605This study has involved the analysis of volatile fingerprints using a hybrid electronic nose (e-nose) to discriminate between and diagnose the microorganisms which cause ventilator–associated pneumonia (VAP), one of the most important infections in the hospital environment. This infection occurs in hospitalised patients with 48-72 hrs of mechanical ventilation. VAP diagnostics still remains a problem due to the lack of a precise diagnostic tool. The current tests are mostly based on quantitative cultures of samples from the lower lung airways with clinical findings, which do not often result in accurate diagnoses of the disease. Cont/d.en© Cranfield University 2011. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the copyright owner.Ventilator associated pneumonia: analyses of volatile fingerprints for identification of causative microorganisms, assessment of anti-fungals and use of in vitro models for early clinical sample predictionThesis or dissertation