The diagnostic value of sputum culture in acute pneumonia

In a prospective study of patients with acute pneumonia, the results of bacteriologic analysis of sputum, transtracheal aspirate (TA), and bronchial aspirate (BA) were compared. Streptococcus pneumoniae was grown from all three sources as the predominant organism in 13 of 16 cases; the remaining three patients had nonbacterial lung disease. These data support the traditional concept that culture of the sputum is highly reliable in providing a correct diagnosis in acute pneumonia.