The optimal approach to management of community-acquired pneumonias is evolving. Newer organisms are recognized as common etiologic agents while advanced molecular techniques are being applied successfully to microbiologic diagnosis. Newer antimicrobial agents with activity against both intracellular pathogens (Legionella, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma organisms) and typical pathogens (pneumococci, and Haemophilus organisms) are being evaluated. The numerous research reports published in the past year show that major advances can be anticipated for improved diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.