Current Challenges in the Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract

The respiratory fluoroquinolones are considered to be an effective treatment option for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and they are the recommended first-line treatment for certain patients. However, the development of resistance associated with the widespread use of these agents has raised concern about the future clinical value of this class of antibiotics. The 4 articles in this supplement issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases reveal clinical data on the safety and efficacy of a fluoroquinolone, levofloxacin, used for the treatment of CAP and CAP-associated infections, including those caused by penicillin- and macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Future strategies of fluoroquinolone use may improve clinical efficacy and reduce the risk of the emergence of resistance. However, judicious use of antibiotics should always be a high priority when considering treatment of respiratory tract infections.