USEFULNESS OF SPUTUM GRAM STAIN AND CULTURE FOR DIAGNOSIS OFPNEUMONIA IN A GERIATRIC INSTITUTION

Abstract

The value of bacteriological assessment of sputum samples is controversial during lower respiratory tract infections. We retrospectively studied sputum Gram stain and culture in a geriatric population during a two-year period. A total of 42 sputum samples were send to the laboratory; among them, 24 (57%) allowed a diagnosis with a predominant morphotype.Gram positive and Gram negative were equally distributed, but staphylococci and pseudomonas were most frequently found, as it is usually reported in the setting of nosocomial infections.In geriatric units and in long-term care facilities, diagnostic tests for management of lower respiratory tract infections are rarely performed, but the ratio cost-efficacy of this bacteriological testing could be improved, if considered the shortness of evolution of broncho-pulmonary infectious episodes.

Keywords

• pneumonia
• geriatrics
• sputum