Diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia in adults

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common presentation to both primary and secondary care, representing approximately 5% of the acute medical intake in the UK. Treatment is often based on an empirical approach, using broad-spectrum antibiotic regimens, with which the majority of patients will achieve clinical cure. However, in cases of severe CAP, initial treatment failure or severe comorbidity, a more rigorous diagnostic approach is required. This review assesses the evidence base behind the common diagnostic methods for CAP, and presents the case for a rapid and accurate microbiological and radiological diagnosis in improving management and outcomes of this common condition.