Laboratory diagnosis of community-acquired lower respiratory tract infection.

This article has focused on the evaluation of outpatients with lower respiratory illness. In large part, the need for microbiological work-up is host-dependent. Healthy patients usually do well, and laboratory data are often unnecessary. The abnormal host requires a different approach and, in general, the more compromised the host, the more aggressive the laboratory evaluation. A renal transplant patient with respiratory symptoms often follows the dictum that "common things happen commonly;" however, the clinician needs that extra level of assurance in this case. Some transplant patients may have respiratory illness caused by strongyloidiasis. Cystic fibrosis is another example of the need for a more comprehensive laboratory evaluation. Specialized selective media and additional susceptibility studies may be needed to evaluate isolates associated with exacerbation of symptoms in these patients. The clinical laboratory should be forewarned of any materials coming from invasive diagnostic techniques, so they can prepare and offer useful advice regarding specimens, transport, and follow-up. Microbiological laboratories are often most knowledgeable regarding what type of testing is appropriate. Direct communication with the laboratory is essential to assure the best patient care.