Epidemiology of Community Acquired Pneumonia in North Israel

Pneumonia in general and CAP in particular is considered as one of the most common bacterial infections, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.

CAP is highly significant economically since all respiratory infections, and pneumonia especially, cause about 80% of antimicrobials use in the community. The high frequency of respiratory infections and the excessive use of antimicrobials are major contributors to the development of pathogens resistant to antimicrobials. In addition, in CAP almost all patients are treated empirically, without identification of causing pathogen.

CAP is divided to two principal groups: Bacterial CAP and Atypical CAP. Since pathogens are different, treatment approach is also different. The main obstacle is absence of adequate diagnostic immediate and cheap tools to enable identifying pathogen and hence treatment is not always appropriate. Giving the right therapy at the right time is of major importance since early start of correct treatment is linked to morbidity and mortality of patients. For prescribing appropriate empiric therapy, knowing the epidemiology of CAP, i.e. the frequent causing pathogens according to age groups and other demographic characteristics, is essential.

Unfortunately, except one study conducted 10 years ago by Dr. Liberman from Soroka Medical Center, there is no characteristic information regarding causing pathogens. Lacking this data, might result in selecting inadequate treatment.

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