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Medical Definition of Hospital acquired pneumonia
1. A type of pneumonia that is caused by bacteria contracted during a hospitalisation. These hospital-acquired infections tend to be more difficult to treat due to the bacteria's relative resistance to common forms of antibiotic therapy. Risk of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection is a major determinant when a physician decides whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits concerning necessity for hospitalisation. (27 Sep 1997)