Epidemiology

The incidence and mortality of lung abscesses have declined greatly since the introduction and widespread use of antibiotics, percutaneous drainage, and other treatment options.[6][7]​​​ In developed countries, the pattern of disease has changed, with lung abscesses increasingly arising secondary to underlying medical conditions.[6][8][9]​​ Men and older adults tend to be affected most often.[6][10][11]​​[12]​ Of note, more than half of all lung abscesses present with mixed flora, and up to a half present with anaerobes.[10]​ Finally, lung abscesses have a reported mortality of 10% in uncomplicated cases, but this can increase to 75% in the presence of cancer, immunosuppression, altered consciousness, anaemia, and pneumonia (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or Klebsiella pneumoniae).[10]​

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