There is an immense burden associated with pneumonia worldwide. The global incidence of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) is estimated to be well over 340 million cases annually with >2 million attributable deaths [1]. Additionally, the high hospitalisation rate of pneumonia increases the social and financial strain put on healthcare systems worldwide. In the United States alone, community acquired pneumonia (CAP) results in 4 million ambulatory visits and 1.5 million hospitalisations each year [2].
