Update on community acquired pneumonia (CAP) diagnosis and the impact on patient outcomes

Description

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common infectious diseases and an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. CAP can be caused by a variety of different bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, the etiologic agent is often not isolated or is identified late during treatment, and broad-spectrum antibiotics are often prescribed early and empirically to reduce mortality. Inappropriate antibiotic use can cause antimicrobial resistance and C. difficile infections, so correct pathogen identification can allow for targeted treatment and antibiotic de-escalation.

Traditional methods of testing for CAP include culture and Gram staining of lower respiratory secretions, but these test methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and can also present challenges with appropriate sample collection. The use of urinary antigen testing (UAT) for two important CAP pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila) offers a convenient and rapid method of detecting these infections, and has been associated with reduced mortality and improved antibiotic stewardship in large clinical trials.

Target audience

This activity is designed for physicians, lab supervisors, lab directors (and/or assistant directors), lab managers (supervisory and/or non-supervisory), medical technologists, point-of-care coordinators, in-training individuals, and other laboratory professionals overseeing/conducting within this topic.

Learning objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between viral infection such as influenza, RSV and pneumonia and the associated public health risks
• Examine experiences and best practices for evaluating and managing patients with pneumonia
• Explain the guidance and practical clinical value of urinary antigen testing (UAT), including mortality reduction and antibiotic stewardship
• Discuss UAT performance characteristics and potential value related to laboratory workflow in times of strained respiratory testing resources

Faculty

Antonio Anzueto, MD
Professor of Medicine
University of Texas Health San Antonio
Section Chief, Pulmonary
South Texas Veterans Health Care System
San Antonio, TX

Disclosures and statement of independence

The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC) is dedicated to ensuring balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. All participating planning committee members and faculty are required to disclose to the program audience any financial relationships related to the subject matter of this program. Disclosure information is reviewed in advance in order to manage and resolve any possible conflicts of interest. The intent of this disclosure is to provide participants with information on which they can make their own judgments.

The following faculty reported financial relationships:

• Antonio Anzueto, MD
  • Honorarium: Abbott

Content validity

All recommendations involving clinical medicine are based on evidence accepted within the profession of medicine as adequate justification for their indications and contraindications in the care of patients; AND/OR all scientific research referred to or reported in support or justification of a patient care recommendation conforms to generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Accreditation statement

This activity is approved for 1.0 ACCENT® continuing education credits. Activity ID #4369. This activity was planned in accordance with ACCENT® Standards and Policies.

Successful completion statement

Verification of Participation certificates are provided to registered participants based on completion of the activity, in its entirety, and the activity evaluation. For questions regarding continuing education, please email [email protected].