BACTERIOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN TRANSTRACHEAL ASPIRATES FROM PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC-BRONCHITIS AND BRONCHIECTASIS - PRELIMINARY REPORT

Abstract

Thirty-six transtracheal aspirates from 34 patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis were examined bacteriologically. Bacteria were isolated from 30 aspirates; 23 yielded pure culture. Anaerobic bacteria were found in 3 of the 23 aspirates. A greater complexity of microbial flora in chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis than hitherto appreciated is indicated.