Community-acquired pneumonia. Common pathogens and antimicrobial resistance

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most frequent cause for admission to the hospital and thus poses a significant economic burden on the healthcare system. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequent cause of CAP, followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, respiratory viruses, and Haemophilus influenzae. Since the pathogen is not usually detectable at the onset of the disease, initial treatment has to be empiric. Successful empiric treatment has to be based on knowledge about pathogens and resistance pattern. Most clinical guidelines recommend macrolides, beta-lactams, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones for the treatment of CAP. This report provides information on the most frequent pathogens and regional resistance patterns. In contrast to nosocomial pneumonia, resistant pathogens are still a minor cause for CAP in Germany. However, in other countries such as Spain, France, and Greece, which are frequent destinations of German travelers, resistance rates are high. Also, in Germany itself resistance has been increasing in recent years.