Gram-negative bacillus pneumonia.

Our experience with gram-negativebacillus pneumonia (GNBP) was examined to assist us in the diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition. The patients were divided into three categories: those with primary GNBP, those with primary nosocomial GNBP, and those with superinfection GNBP. Mortality correlated highly with the severity of underlying disorders. Aspiration occurred or was suspected before most instances of primary GNBP. Tracheostomy, inhalation therapy, and aspiration were common events before development of primary nosocomial GNBP and superinfection GNBP. Half the patients survived the two primary varieties of GNBP. A striking leukocytosis developed at the onset of most cases of primary nosocomial GNBP and superinfection GNBP.