text: The treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
  This manuscript attempts to provide insight into current concepts of prevention, diagnosis, and management of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A Medline search from 1996 to May 2004 was performed. Search terms included: ventilator-associated pneumonia with prevention, diagnosis, management, duration, resistance, and outcome. Emphasis was placed on the recent peer-reviewed literature. Human data were preferentially included. Where possible, recent publications (within the last year) were used in preference to older data. The references were chosen to present key citations. Data selection was prioritized to address specific subtopics. The treatment and prevention of VAP is evolving rapidly based on improved diagnostic skills and a better understanding of optimal antimicrobial therapy. An overview of new and key data guiding clinicians in the management of this important disease is presented.