Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, with at least one third of cases requiring hospitalization, exceeding the numbers admitted for myocardial infarction and stroke. Despite a broad armamentarium of antimicrobials available, it remains an important cause of death in industrialized countries. CAP is caused by a variety of pathogens with their order of importance dependent on the location and population studied. Despite the importance of CAP, reliable data and a recommended evidence-based therapy are lacking, and basic research must be improved.

The goal of this volume is to present state-of-the-art knowledge on epidemiology, clinical presentation, immunology, pathology, and diagnosis including the identification of "new pathogens." Therapeutic approaches, antibiotics resistance, disease management and vaccination strategies are also covered. The volume is of interest to researchers and clinicians in virology, epidemiology and biomedicine.