Division (a) Bacteriologic diagnostic performed by:

Positive quantitative culture from minimally contaminated LRT^f1 specimen (PN 1)

• Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) with a threshold of ≥ 10⁴ CFU/ml^f2 or ≥ 5 % of BAL obtained cells contains intracellular bacteria on direct microscopic exam (classified on the diagnostic category BAL)

• Protected brush (PB Wimberley) with a threshold of ≥ 10³ CFU/ml

• Distal protected aspirate (DPA) with a threshold of ≥ 10³ CFU/ml

Positive quantitative culture from possibly contaminated LRT specimen (PN 2)

• Quantitative culture of LRT specimen (e.g. endotracheal aspirate) with a threshold of 10⁶ CFU/ml