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Source: Blackford MG, Glover ML, Reed MD. Lower respiratory tract infections. In: DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke GR, Wells BG, Posey L, eds. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. 10th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2017. https://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1861§ionid=146071234. Accessed September 18, 2018.
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Lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
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Microorganisms gain access to lower respiratory tract by three routes:
Inhaled as aerosolized particles
Via bloodstream from extrapulmonary site of infection
Aspiration of oropharyngeal contents
Viral lung infections suppress bacterial clearing activity of lung by impairing alveolar macrophage function and mucociliary clearance, which can lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia.
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One of the most common causes of severe sepsis and infectious causes of death in the United States.
Occurs in persons of all ages, although clinical manifestations most severe in very young, elderly, and chronically ill
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