Abstract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the bacterial flora that colonizes the lower airways by using quantitative culturing method in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with stable bronchiectasis. We also evaluated the possible factors that affect the colonization. Twenty patients with bronchiectasis in stable period who admitted to the Department of Pulmonary Diseases between December 2002-January 2004 were enrolled in the study. Sputum culture was obtained from all patients before fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedure. Protected bronchoalveolar lavage was performed from the most affected segment of the lung. Colonies were counhited by quantitative culture method in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (cut-off value³103 cfu/ml). Growth rate was 50% in bronchoalveolar lavage material and 11% in sputum samples (p=0.01). The most common isolated microorganisms were Haemophilus spp. (38.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (5.6%) and Pseudomonas spp. (5.6%). As conclusion, bronchial colonization by potential pathogenic microorganisms are frequent in patients with stable bronchiectasis and the most frequent microorganisms are Haemophilus spp., S. aureus and Pseudomonas spp. Factors like lung function impairment, the presence of haemoptysis and the type of bronchiectasis are not related to the presence of colonization.