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 and 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. Aim of study: To identify common pathogens causing CAP in hospitalized patients in north Israel.