This literature review provides an overview of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), two significant causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. The article discusses the latest terminology, risk factors, biomarkers, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for these infections. HAP is defined as infection of the pulmonary parenchyma after at least 48 hours of hospital admission, while VAP occurs in ICU patients who require mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. The review highlights the importance of early detection of risk factors and clinical judgment based on inflammatory biomarkers (procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin, mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide) for improved patient outcomes. It also covers the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, and preventive and treatment strategies for HAP and VAP. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach, including clinical scores, microbiological tools, and serum biomarker kinetics, to accurately diagnose and manage these infections. Additionally, it discusses the application of "bundle of care" concepts to prevent HAP and VAP episodes and the importance of early and appropriate antibiotic therapy to reduce antibiotic resistance.This literature review provides an overview of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), two significant causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. The article discusses the latest terminology, risk factors, biomarkers, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for these infections. HAP is defined as infection of the pulmonary parenchyma after at least 48 hours of hospital admission, while VAP occurs in ICU patients who require mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. The review highlights the importance of early detection of risk factors and clinical judgment based on inflammatory biomarkers (procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin, mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide) for improved patient outcomes. It also covers the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, and preventive and treatment strategies for HAP and VAP. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach, including clinical scores, microbiological tools, and serum biomarker kinetics, to accurately diagnose and manage these infections. Additionally, it discusses the application of "bundle of care" concepts to prevent HAP and VAP episodes and the importance of early and appropriate antibiotic therapy to reduce antibiotic resistance.