In most outpatients with suspected community
acquired pneumonia microbial
diagnosis is not mandatory since empiric
antibiotic treatment is usually succesful.
Clinical features and radiologic findings
usually fail to identify the etiologic pathogen.
Immunosuppressed patients deserve
special attention and invasive procedures
are compulsory in order to obtain sputum
to make specific diagnosis. Empiric antimicrobial
coverage should be tailored to treat
the most likely pathogen in accordance to
individual patient characteristics.ล