Thoracic Key

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (1). It is estimated that >70% of patients with AIDS…

Fungal and Parasitic Infection Fungal and parasitic infections are an increasingly frequent cause of pulmonary disease worldwide. Increased risk for the development of infection has resulted because of expanding population…

Viruses, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia Viruses, mycoplasma, and chlamydia are common and important causes of lower respiratory tract infection and may result in tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Viral pneumonia in adults…

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae. Previous names for this group of organisms included “environmental mycobacteria,” “atypical mycobacteria,” or “mycobacteria…

Pulmonary Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic, recurrent, contagious infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is estimated that in 2006…

Bacterial Pneumonia Pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. In the United States there are an estimated 4 million cases of community-acquired pneumonia annually, resulting in approximately 600,000…

Pulmonary Infection: Basic Concepts Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, respiratory tract infection continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death…