Summary
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a common and serious infectious disease worldwide. Recent investigations highlight the difficulties in making etiological diagnosis while emphasizing the importance of atypical pathogens in CAP. Prognostic tools such as the pneumonia severity index have been validated and widely endorsed as an aid in making site of care decisions in managing CAP patients. Empiric treatment guidelines for CAP have been developed and their use has been shown to simplify treatment regimens and improve outcome.