Pleural infection: a closer look at the etiopathogenesis, microbiology and role of antibiotics.

Pleural infection: a closer look at the etiopathogenesis, microbiology and role of antibiotics.
Expert Rev Respir Med. 2019 Feb 01;:
Authors: Bedawi EO, Hassan M, McCracken D, Rahman NM
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Pleural infection is a condition that continues to pose a significant challenge to respiratory physicians. We hypothesize that the main barriers to progress include limited understanding of the etiopathogenesis, microbiology and role of antibiotics in the pleural space.
AREAS COVERED: PubMed was searched for articles related to adult pleural infection using the terms 'pleural infection', 'empyema' and 'parapneumonic'. The search focused on relevant literature within the last ten years, with any older citations used only to display context or lack of progress. Tuberculous pleural infection was excluded. We chose to give specific attention to the etiopathogenesis of pleural infection, including recent advances in diagnostics and biomarkers. We discuss our understanding of the pleural microbiome and rationalize the current use of antibiotics in treating this condition.
EXPERT COMMENTARY: Understanding of key events in the development of this condition remains limited. The microbiology is unique compared to the lung, and highly variable. Higher culture yields from pleural biopsy may add new insights in to the etiopathogenesis. There is little evidence into achievable effective antibiotic concentration within the pleu...

Source: Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine - February 3, 2019 Category: Respiratory Medicine Tags: Expert Rev Respir Med Source Type: research