Community-acquired pneumonia and bronchiectasis: a dangerous combination?

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several viruses and bacteria cause CAP but Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most frequently identified bacterial pathogen. 1 Restrepo MI Babu BL Reyes LF et al. Burden and risk factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa community-acquired pneumonia: a multinational point prevalence study of hospitalised patients. Eur Respir J. 2018; 52 Google Scholar Prognosis depends on several factors including age, comorbidities, microbial aetiology and early and adequate initial antibiotic treatment. Initial antibiotic treatment is frequently administered on an empirical basis covering the most common microorganisms. Some gram-negative bacilli namely the Enterobacteriaceae family and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are rare causes of CAP and are frequently resistant to the initial empirical treatment. Both microorganisms are associated with severe CAP and higher mortality due to its aggressive behaviour and the delay in the initiation of the appropriate antibiotic coverage. 2 Torres A Menendez R. Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in community-acquired pneumonia: the reality after a decade of uncertainty?. Eur Respir J. 2010; 35: 473-474 Google Scholar