Evaluation of the American Thoracic Society Criteria for Predicting Multidrug-resistant Bacteria in Critically Ill Patients

All data concerning patient characteristics at ICU admission and during ICU stay were prospectively collected.Screening for MDR bacteria (using nasal swabs, tracheal aspirates from intubated patients and specimens from the infection location) was performed at ICU admission and discharge. Risk factors for infection or colonization with MDR bacteria were recorded, and the accuracy of the ATS criteria in predicting infection or colonization with these bacteria at ICU admission was documented. All of the infected patients were treated by the attending physician, and the choice and adjustment of antibiotic were in accordance with the recommendations of the ATS guidelines.