The effects of H2 blockers on gastric flora and sputum culture
Noguchi, J.; Konishi, M.; Tatara, T.; Zenfuku, M.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 43(8): 1243-1247
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 7933511 Document Number: 432980
Gastric juice and sputum of 12 patients, who had entered the intensive care unit postoperatively and received respiratory management, were examined for bacteria and their relationship with gastric pH was investigated. Gastric bacteria were detected in only 3 specimens out of 14 (21.4%) when the pH was under 3.5, and when the pH was above 3.5, gastric bacteria were detected in 33 specimens out of 35 (94.3%). Proliferation of gastric flora was observed as the pH increased. In 7 cases, Gram-negative bacilli (important etiologically as a cause of pneumonia) were detected. Gram-negative bacilli were also detected in sputum culture and these were found to be of the same bacteria type as those found in the gastric juice. However, no evident cases of pneumonia were observed, and proliferation of gastric bacteria did not increase the incidence of postoperative pneumonia.