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Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) pose a significant burden to the healthcare system annually. A positive impact on, and a reduction, in the mortality rate can be achieved through an understanding of the most common microorganisms that cause these two closely-associated conditions, identifying the associated risk factors and co-morbidities, and making a timely diagnosis. With the correct understanding of these conditions, proper preventative strategies can be implemented and treatment provided according to the severity of the specific condition in question. Better outcomes for infected individuals are likely to result from newer strategies involving novel antibiotics, as well as new approaches to the use of older antibiotics for different purposes. This article provides a general overview of the nature and management of HAP and VAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]