Viral colonization in intubated patients: initial pathogen pattern and follow-up.

Introduction: Colonization of the lower respiratory tract is an independent risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Little is known about the frequency of viral colonization on intubation and during mechanical ventilation.

Methods: Overall, 65 eligible intubated patients with no initial signs of pulmonary infection were studied over a period of up to 7 days.