Community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It usually results from bacterial infection, and the most common pathogen is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hemophilus influenzae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae also are important causative agents. The diagnosis and etiology of pneumonia are best established by physical examination, chest x-ray, and examination of the sputum by Gram's stain. The majority of patients with community-acquired pneumonia can be treated with oral antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, and erythromycin. Seriously ill patients should be hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics. Patients at increased risk for lower respiratory tract infections should be immunized with pneumococcal, influenza, and Hemophilus influenzae type B vaccines. © 1994.