title: Pneumonias acquired from others. 1. History, examination, laboratory findings.
abstract: Differential diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia can be elusive, even though the disease remains a frequent cause of admission to the hospital. The familiar organisms--pneumococci, group A streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Hemophilus influenzae--are still often the cause. However, less common organisms, in particular Pneumocystis carinii, which is associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are being seen more often. Data gathered from a thorough history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and sputum evaluation must be considered as a body of evidence, and a pattern often emerges that suggests a particular clinical picture.
mesh_terms: D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology