| REVIEW ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2010 | Volume
: 28
| Issue : 1 | Page : 5-10 |
Clinical microbiology in the intensive care unit: Strategic and operational characteristics
S Bhattacharya1, AS Mondal2
1 Department of Microbiology, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust , Bury St. Edmund, United Kingdom
2 Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, North Middlesex University Hospital , London, United Kingdom
Correspondence Address:
S Bhattacharya
Department of Microbiology, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust , Bury St. Edmund
United Kingdom
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0255-0857.58720
Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients admitted in intensive care units (ICUs). The application of the principles and the practice of Clinical Microbiology for ICU patients can significantly improve clinical outcome. The present article is aimed at summarising the strategic and operational characteristics of this unique field where medical microbiology attempts to venture into the domain of direct clinical care of critically ill patients. The close and strategic partnership between clinical microbiologists and intensive care specialists, which is essential for this model of patient care have been emphasized. The article includes discussions on a variety of common clinical-microbiological problems faced in the ICUs such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, blood stream infections, skin and soft tissue infection, UTI, infection control, besides antibiotic management.
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