Epidemiological risks of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the intensive care unit: a narrative literature review

Muhametzjanov A. M.¹
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Epidemiology

Kajdanek T. V.¹
Сandidate of medical sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Epidemiology

Kuzina D. A.¹
Assistant of the Department of Epidemiology

1Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russian Federation. 450008.

Kuzina Diana Alexandrovna; е-mail: dianakuzina8@gmail.com

None declared.

The study had no sponsorship.

14.05.2026

30.07.2026

Introduction. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains one of the most common and critical complications in patients receiving artificial lung ventilation (ALV) in intensive care units (ICUs). It is characterized by high morbidity, increased hospital stay and mortality. Assessing the epidemiological risk is an important task for developing effective prevention measures to improve the quality of medical care. The objective. To analyze the results of scientific research on methods and approaches to studying the epidemiological risks of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care units (ICUs), as well as existing prevention and control strategies. Materials and Methods. The study examined the results of scientific research on VAP published in major electronic databases using keywords related to VAP, ICU, mechanical ventilation, epidemiological risk, and prevention. The review includes original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines. Results. A wide range of risk factors for the development of VAP has been identified. To reduce the risk of VAP development, a comprehensive assessment of various epidemiological factors is necessary, based on an integrated analysis of patient data, hospital environment factors, and staff actions in the context of the organization of ICU work. Conclusion. A promising area of prevention is the development and application of digital technologies for comprehensive risk analysis, which takes into account both clinical and environmental factors, as well as staff actions.

ventilator-associated pneumonia, intensive care units, mechanical ventilation, hospital infections, epidemiological risk, prevention, risk factors

10.29234/2308-9113-2026-14-3-125-139

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