Microbiology Testing With the Aim Of Directed Antimicrobial Therapy For CAP

Inclusion Criteria

• •● Adult patients greater than age 17 years who are initially evaluated in the ED with symptoms of CAP. This includes those who will be treated as outpatients and those admitted to the hospital (both ward and ICU).
• •The definition of CAP is as follows:
• •Presence of pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiography. (Initial reading may be performed by the ED physician - but has to be confirmed by board certified radiologist for inclusion in the study).
• •At least 2 of the following: new onset of cough, productive sputum, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever \> 380C, abnormal chest auscultation, WBC \> 12,000 cells/mL.
• •Able to provide informed consent
• •Read, signed, and dated informed consent document
• •Available for follow-up for the planned duration of the study