New breath test for pneumonia

Researchers from The University of Manchester are part of a team that has identified an important new approach to diagnose infections in critically ill patients rapidly and accurately. A study by colleagues in Salford and Manchester found that chemically analysing breath specimens from patients in intensive care can reveal bacterial infection in the lower respiratory tract of ventilated patients at risk of developing pneumonia. Although the work is in its early stages, the findings so far look very exciting and could potentially have a huge effect on clinical practice as healthcare associated infections are a major issue worldwide. The unique 'first in man' project was carried out at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester Centre for Respiratory Medicine and Allergy , and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) and was a proof-of-concept study that has provided significant evidence leading to a larger research programme involving patients across Greater Manchester. Dr Paul Dark , one of the research team and Honorary Consultant in intensive care medicine at Salford Royal, explained: "When patients come into hospital, their safety is absolutely crucial. We know that one of the most significant risks is that they develop an infection and patients in critical care are the most vulnerable because they are very ill and we have to use lots of interventions and invasive techniques. "We have to provide the very highest quality safety measures for them, but despite that, some patients do still get infections and one of the most common is respiratory tract infection, especially pneumonia.