Bacteriological findings in transtracheal aspirates from patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis: a preliminary report.

Thirty-six transtracheal aspirates from 34 patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis were examined bacteriologically. Bacteria were isolated from 30 aspirates, 23 of which yielded pure culture. Anaerobic bacteria were found in three aspirates, all in pure culture. This preliminary report indicates a greater complexity of the microbial flora in chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis than hitherto appreciated.