Apparatus and method for early detection of ventilator associated pneumonia

A method for detecting ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in a patient, the method comprising:

• placing an endotracheal tube through the mouth and into the trachea of the patient, wherein there are at least two electrode contacts located in proximity to each other within the endotracheal tube on an inside surface of the endotracheal tube, wherein insulated conductive wiring connects the electrode contacts with an electrical subsystem that is capable of generating, receiving and processing electrical signals;
• directing the electrical subsystem to sequentially provide at least two alternating current signals to the electrode contacts, thereby allowing the electrical subsystem to derive an impedance corresponding to each alternating current signal, the multiple derived impedances forming a pattern of impedances;
• and
• matching the pattern of impedances to a pattern of impedances known to be associated with a particular bacterial pathogen or a particular combination of bacterial pathogens.