May 23, 2013, Pneumonia - Adults (Community Acquired) Risk
factors for pneumonia often depend on the specific type of
disease. Risk Factors for Institutional- and Hospital-Acquired
(Nosocomial) Pneumonia Pneumonia that is contracted in the
hospital is called hospital-acquired or nosocomial pneumonia. It
affects an estimated 5 - 10 of every 1,000 hospitalized patients
every year. More than half of these cases may be due to strains
of bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics. In
fact, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-
resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa are leading causes of death
from hospital-acquired pneumonia. Those at highest risk: - The
elderly and very young. - People with chronic or severe medical
conditions, such as lung problems, heart disease, neurologic
disorders, and cancer. - People who have had surgery,
particularly people over age 80. Among the surgical procedures
that pose a particular risk are removal of the spleen
(splenectomy), abdominal aortic aneurysm rep