What is the most commonly identified cause of community-acquired pneumonia?
The “most commonly identified” cause in CAP can vary based on how often testing is performed and which tests are used. In many CAP cases, the causative organism is not definitively confirmed because cultures/PCR are not done in every patient or may be negative. As a result, reported “identified” pathogens may not perfectly reflect the true underlying distribution. Classically, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a key CAP pathogen, while during viral seasons influenza and other viruses may account for a larger share. Operationally, CAP management assumes that etiology may remain unconfirmed and therefore emphasizes risk-based empiric coverage, close monitoring of clinical response, and timely adjustment of treatment when indicated.