Comparison of quantitative bronchoscopic lavage cultures (B-BAL) with blind NG tube lavage (N-BAL) cultures in the diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP).

Objective: To compare quantitative Bronchoscopic Bronchoalveolar Lavage (B-BAL) cultures with blind nasogastric tube bronchoalveolar lavage (N-BAL) cultures in the diagnosis of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP).

Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study.

Place And Duration Of Study: The study was conducted in Medical ICU and Chest ICU at Liaquat National Hospital (LNH), Karachi, from January till August, 2007.

"Moraxella lacunata" endocarditis treated with penicillin.

The case report of a young male with Endocarditis caused by Moraxella lacunata is presented. Although a well recognized cause of keratitis, conjunctivitis, and sinusitis; very few cases of endocarditis by this rare pathogen are reported in literature. Patient showed a prompt response when empirical therapy was de-escalated to penicillin, after receiving culture and sensitivity report from Microbiology department.