title: Microbiology and management of pleural empyema.
abstract: Empyema is apparently becoming more common, with pneumococcus being the most common pathogen detected in Europe and the USA. However, group A streptococcus and S. aureus pneumonia are individually more likely to progress to empyema. Serotype 1 pneumococcus is frequently implicated and the reasons for an apparent increase in incidence remain unclear. Management requires antibiotics and removal of pus either by fibrinolysis or primary drainage.
authors.affiliation: Newcastle General Hospital, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE, UK. Julia.clark@nuth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D019468:Disease Management; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014774:Virulence