Management of community-acquired respiratory tract infections in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Community-acquired respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are prevalent conditions in U.S. and represent a major burden in health care. This article provides an overview of empirical antibiotic treatment options for patients with community-acquired RYIs, including newer classes of agents, such as the respiratory fluoroquinolones and the ketoides. We also discuss the clinical and economic utility of these agents in the current ear of high levels of antibiotic resistance.