Guidelines for the diagnoses and treatment of adult lower respiratory tract infections: a true "European cooperative effort".

T hroughout history, the diagnosis and treatment of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) has been a ‘‘European cooperative effort’’. Since the experiments of R. Koch, many scientists have identified the role of infectious agents, including bacteria, in these conditions and different alternative treatments required to combat them. In 1888, E. de Freudenreich isolated bacterial secretions and noted their inherent, antibacterial properties. Later, in 1896, E. Duchesne noted that certain penicillium moulds killed bacteria, findings that were later confirmed by A. Fleming. We all know the history that follows ..., but today we have new challenges to overcome.