Pneumonia with Respiratory Failure — How Often Are Viruses Involved?

Pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) substantially increases mortality, and virtually all patients with this critical condition receive antibiotics. However, viruses are increasingly recognized as being involved in severe respiratory infections, both as a cofactor in bacterial pneumonia and as the major pathogen. To better characterize the role of viral pathogens in this setting, researchers retrospectively analyzed a prospective cohort of 364 adult patients treated in intensive care for pneumonia with respiratory failure requiring MV. Both community-acquired and nosocomial infections were included. Bacterial cultures and viral testing were routinely performed.

Participants had high severity of illness (mean APACHE II score, 24); …