Penicillin resistance in pneumococcal pneumonia. Antibiotics with low resistance potential are effective and pose less risk.

Antibiotic resistance is a potential problem around the world. Among the bacteria that cause community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a primary concern. Resistance can occur through genetic mutations in the bacterial strain itself or can be acquired through use of some antibiotics that have a high resistance potential. In this article, Dr Cunha explores the misperceptions about antibiotic resistance and its occurrence, as well as the most appropriate therapy for CAP in the clinical setting.