The noscomial respiratory tract infection creates a serious health problem in
hospitals all over the world. It is the second most common noscomial infection and
the most common cause of death among nosocomial infections. This study was
carried out to determine the incidence of nosocomial respiratory tract infection in
cirrhotic patients. In an analytical cross-sectional study, 366 cirrhotic patients were
studied from Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Assiut
University Hospital. For all participants, the following was conducted: clinical
evaluation, abdominal US examination, and laboratory investigations including
complete blood picture, renal function tests, liver function tests, plain chest x-ray,
sputum or throat swab culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing. The frequency of
nosocomial respiratory tract infection in cirrhotic patients was 10.9%. The most
significant risk factor was artificial respiration (OR=9.81). Gram negative bacilli
(38.5%) were the first cause followed by Gram positive cocci (35.5%) then fungi
(26.0%). The mortality rate was 15%. The incidence of noscomial respiratory tract
infection in cirrhotic patients was not low. Artificial respiration was the most
significant risk factor. All types of noscomially important bacteria were present in
patients' isolates especially Staphylococci and E. coli. The mortality rate in those
patients reached 15%.