Community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections: etiology and treatment.
The current therapy for community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections is often empiric, usually involving administration of a beta-lactam or macrolide. However, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in frequently isolated respiratory tract pathogens has complicated the antimicrobial selection process. This review will discuss the incidence of various respiratory pathogens, as well as update the clinician on the various antimicrobial alternatives available, with particular emphasis on the role of the newer fluoroquinolones in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia.
Guthrie
R
R
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones