The compromised host and pulmonary infiltration: a prospective study

If immediate sputum examination does not result in a diagnosis, broad spectrum antibiotics should be administered while awaiting cultures. Three days later, if the patient deteriorates and has a negative hemoculture, bronchoalveolar lavage should be done before open lung biopsy or antifungal drugs are considered. We have demonstrated that rational empiric therapy in immunosuppressed patients with pneumonia is beneficial. Diagnostic tests must be performed so that treatment can be modified later when the etiological agent has been identified.