VARIATION IN OROPHARYNGEAL FLORA IN ICU PATIENTS WITH NASOGASTRIC TUBE”-A ONE YEAR PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY IN KLES Dr. PRABHAKAR KORE HOSPITAL, BELAGAVI”

Abstract

Background: Oropharyngeal colonization by pathogenic organisms is usually prevented by chewing and swallowing, which is impaired in tubo-enterally fed ICU patients. Of lately, the raging menace of antibiotic resistance has taken over critically ill population during prolonged ICU stay, putting them at increased risk of nosocomial pneumonia, making it a tougher challenge for physicians to manage along with foregoing suffering patients. Hence, identifying bacterial flora, in respect to hospitalization will help in further management to prevent nosocomial infections. Objective: Determining changes in bacterial flora in oropharynx of patients with nasogastric tube, admitted in ICU