Arch Intern Med
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Pneumonia is the leading cause of death due to infectious diseases in the United States; however, the incidence of most infections causing community-acquired pneumonia in adults is not well defined. ⋯ These data provide information about the importance of community-acquired pneumonia and the relative and overall impact of specific causes of pneumonia. The study provides a basis for choosing optimal empiric pneumonia therapy, and allows interventions for prevention of pneumonia to be targeted at groups at greatest risk for serious illness and death.