Abstract
Background: Bronchial colonization with potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPM) is associated with adverse outcomes in lung cancer patients undergoing resection.
Methods: A prospective study of 155 patients with suspected malignancy evaluated by bronchoscopy
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Results: Of 155 patients, 30% demonstrated bacterial growth with PPM. Clinical infection significantly predict PPM growth, 35% and 5%, respectively (p=.000).
Conclusion: Bronchial colonization with PPM is common (30%) among patients with malignancy and clinical infection. Bacterial culture during bronchoscopy may assist with targeted antibiotic therapy prior to treatment.
- © 2014 ERS