Infection versus colonization in the critical care unit

Crit Care Clin. 1998 Jan;14(1):71-90. doi: 10.1016/s0749-0704(05)70382-1.

Abstract

Serious infections in the critical care unit are commonplace. However, distinguishing true infection from mere colonization is a difficult and often uncertain process that has been shown to result in both over- and under-treatment of patients. Antimicrobial agents used in the CCU setting are expensive and not without toxicities. This article discusses methods to differentiate colonization from infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colony Count, Microbial*
  • Communicable Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Communicable Diseases / etiology*
  • Cross Infection / diagnosis
  • Cross Infection / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Sepsis / diagnosis
  • Sepsis / epidemiology
  • Sepsis / etiology
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Urinary Tract Infections / etiology