Microbial florac in sputum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the variety of micro-organisms in the sputum of COPD patients, comparing those found in the stable quiescent stage with those appearing during acute exacerbation. The results showed no clear-cut differences in the distribution of either normal florae or potential pathogens in both of the diseased states. Haemophilus influenzae and pneumoniac seemed to no role in the occurence of acute exacerbation of COPD. Findings of Gram-negative bacilli in high rates, during the acute exacerbation and the quiescent states, possibly accounted for the presence of acute infection pneumonia but not the perpetuation of acute exacerbation in COPD patients.