Intrapulmonary concentrations of antimicrobial agents.

The delivery of antimicrobial agents to the site of infection has always been considered important. Lung infections are typically localized to the bronchial mucosa, endothelial lining fluid, and/or alveolar macrophages. Significant advances have been made in measuring antimicrobial concentrations at these sites, although some of the methods need further refinement and standardization. Relating various intrapulmonary site concentrations to efficacy or treatment failure requires further study. This article reviews the theory and methods relating to the measurement of intrapulmonary delivery of antimicrobial agents, and compares the intrapulmonary delivery of agents commonly used for the treatment of lower respiratory infections.