RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS 

Minerva Pneumologica 2009 June:48(2):129-44

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Community-acquired pneumonia. A review

Piattella M., Potena A.

Respiratory Physiopathology Unit S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) are an important problem of Public Health, with costs due to the hospitalization and treatment of the complications. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main causative agent, even if other viral and bacterial organisms are recently be known as potential agents of severe pneumonia. Diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological and biochemical criteria, that must be correctly utilized in relation to their diagnostic accuracy. Risk Classification Index can help to correctly assign the patients, avoiding improper hospitalization and permitting a more comfortable home management. Increased drug resistance enforce an approach oriented to the prevention of drug resistance. Vaccination is a cornerstone in CAP management, even if its real efficacy must be confirmed.