Viral Pneumonia in Adults

Molecular diagnostic tests have greatly increased our understanding of the role of viruses in pneumonia, and findings indicate that the incidence of viral pneumonia has been underestimated. The most commonly identified viruses in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Viral infections are common in adults with CAP, ranging from 10-30% of diagnosed cases. Polymicrobial infections involving bacterial and viral pathogens are frequent and may be associated with severe pneumonia. Besides, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex and herpes zoster virus may cause severe respiratory illness and life-threatening pneumonia in immunocomromised adults (neoplasm, organ-transplantation, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, AIDS). (J Intern Med Taiwan 2013;