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Table 20 Evolution of Common Pneumonias*
Infecting Organism Initial Radiographic Worsening Maximum Time to Resolution Residual Radiographic Abnormalities
Streptococcus pneumoniae
    Bacteremic Majority 3-5 months 25-35%
    Nonbacteremic Occasional 1-3 months Rare
Group B Streptococci Common 1-3 months Common
Staphylococcus aureus Majority 3-5 months Common
Haemophilus influenzae Occasional 1-5 months Occasional
Legionella Majority 3-5 months 25%
Chlamydia pneumoniae Rare 1-3 months Occasional
Moraxella catarrhalis Rare 1-3 months Uncommon
Enteric gram-negative organisms Occasional 3-5 months 10-20%
Viruses Variable Variable Occasional fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Variable Variable Uncommon
*Modified from Niederman MS, Sarosi GA. Respiratory Infections. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders Co., 1994, 278.

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