Antimicrobial management strategies for patients with community-acquired respiratory tract infections: Another view

This paper provides an opinion on antimicrobial management strategies for patients with community-acquired respiratory tract infections. An earlier paper suggested that only seven antimicrobial agents are needed in today's battle against the pathogens that cause these types of infections. This paper provides more in-depth discussion of many subjects concerning patients with these infection (eg, patient compliance, adverse effects, and drug-drug interactions) and the causative pathogens. Controversy over previous recommendations on macrolide use and efficacy is discussed, and a rational approach to patient treatment based on American Thoracic Society guidelines is proposed.