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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), defined as pneumonia (infection of the lung) occurring in a person who has been assisted by mechanical ventilation (a breathing machine) within the past 48 hours, is a serious and life-threatening infection. Because individuals who contract ventilator-associated pneumonia are already critically ill (requiring mechanical ventilation), the death rate from ventilator-associated pneumonia is high. The April 11, 2007, issue of JAMA includes an article on ventilator-associated pneumonia.

RISK FACTORS

• Mechanical ventilation and endotracheal intubation (breathing tube in the throat)
  
• Longer duration of mechanical ventilation
  
• Advanced age
  
• Depressed level of consciousness
  
• Preexisting lung disease
  
• Immune suppression from disease or medication
  
• Malnutrition
  

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