In this retrospective study, we screened all patients with suspected nosocomial infections in the 10-bed subacute respiratory care center (RCC) and 30-bed chronic respiratory care ward (RCW) of Cheng-Ching General Hospital, a community teaching hospital in Taiwan, during the period January 2008 through December 2010. Patients who fail weaning trials in the intensive care unit or are ventilator dependent are transferred to RCC or RCW. When suspected nosocomial infections were compatible with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition,the patients were enrolled in the study.