Pulmonary Infections

Post-thoracic injury pulmonary infections are readily understandable on the basis of its pathophysiology compared to normal physiology or abnormal physiology distorted by preexisting comorbidity. While the pulmonary tree is most commonly impacted, the pleural spaces are often involved; the mediastinum is less commonly impacted. Knowledge of appropriate approaches to source control and initial empiric, but therapeutic antimicrobial selection supports recovery. This chapter explores the molecular underpinnings of infection, key elements of diagnosis, approaches to prevention or rescue, and the common microbiology encountered when treating patients with post-thoracic injury pulmonary and thoracic space infection.