Low-cost antiseptic-impregnated tracheostomy tube for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria: In vitro and pilot study in humans

Abstract

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of an in-house low-cost tracheostomy tube impregnated with chlorhexidine and violet crystal. The impregnated tracheostomy tubes demonstrated antimicrobial activity, including for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Fourteen patients were evaluated. During ventilation, VAP occurred in one patient in the coated group and in three patients in the control group (p = 0.28). A reduction of biofilm cells was observed. This study provides preliminary evidence to support that the antiseptic impregnation of a tracheostomy tube provides significant antimicrobial activity.