Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Patients Requiring Hospitalization

Abstract

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the most commonly identified bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Mortality associated with pneumococcal pneumonia in hospitalized patients is high, ranging from 12 to 30 percent. Risk for severe infection, complications, and mortality are highest among older patients with chronic illnesses, particularly when complications, such as bacteremia are present. This topic reviews pneumococcal pneumonia that requires hospitalization as distinguished from other forms of CAP. An overview of CAP, its diagnosis, and treatment are discussed separately. (See "Clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing for community-acquired pneumonia in adults" and "Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in adults in the outpatient setting".)