This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and need of adding atypical coverage in patients hospitalised due to CAP. In doing so, this review intends to estimate the mortality and efficacy of regimens containing atypical antibiotic coverage.

Secondary objectives are:

• To evaluate the frequency of adverse effects associated with different types of antibiotic treatment.

• To evaluate the efficacy of regimens containing atypical antibiotic coverage for patients with identified atypical pathogens (see later for definition);

• To evaluate the efficacy of regimens containing atypical antibiotic coverage for patients with identified Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Outcomes will be collected for all patients, and separately for patients with identified atypical pathogens, and those with pneumococcal infection.