|
The
association between colonization of the oropharynx , trachea , or stomach and
predisposition to gram-negative bacillary pneumonia prompted efforts to prevent infection
by using either prophylactic local application of antimicrobial agent(s) or local
bacterial interference . The second method i.e. interference with alpha-hemolytic
streptococci has been used successfully to prevent oropharyngeal colonization by aerobic
gram-negative bacilli. The administration of antacids and H-2 blockers for prevention of
stress bleeding in critically ill, postoperative, and/or mechanically ventilated patients
has been associated with gastric bacterial overgrowth . Sucralfate, a cytoprotective agent
that has little effect on gastric pH and may have bactericidal properties of its own, has
been suggested as a potential substitute for antacids and H-2 blockers. |