Atypical Pneumonia
Before modern diagnostic tests were available, researchers noticed that some pneumonias had different characteristics compared to “typical” pneumonias - CDC
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Atypical pneumonia—time to breathe new life into a useful term?
The term atypical pneumonia has become well-established in medical parlance. Originally used to describe an unusual presentation of pneumonia, the term has since evolved to become much broader in meaning. Atypical pneumonia is now more widely used in reference to either pneumonia caused by a relatively common group of pathogens (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella spp, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae), or to a distinct clinical syndrome the existence of which is difficult to demonstrate. As such, the term atypical pneumonia as most widely used today is often inaccurate, potentially confusing, of dubious scientific merit, and unhelpful.
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Atypical pneumonia (non-COVID-19)
Although in most cases presentation can be in the milder spectrum of community-acquired pneumonia, some cases, especially if caused by L pneumophila, may present as severe pneumonia, necessitating intensive care unit admission. Other possible pathogens include Chlamydophila species, Legionella species, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), and respiratory viruses.
Atypical pathogens and respiratory tract infections
The atypical respiratory pathogens Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila are now recognised as a significant cause of acute respiratory-tract infections, implicated in community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, asthma, and less frequently, upper respiratory-tract infections.
Atypical Pneumonia Updates on Legionella, Chlamydophila, and Mycoplasma Pneumonia
CAP due to Legionella, Chlamydophyla, or Mycoplasma continues to be a diagnostic challenge due to the nonspecific clinical and radiographic presentations. The vague clinical presentations of atypical CAP contribute to its underdiagnosis and under-reporting. Advancements in diagnostic techniques bring hope to rapid and accurate diagnosis of atypical CAP. Macrolides and respiratory fluoroquinolones are currently the antibiotics of choice, but this may change in the near future as more antibiotics resistance patterns emerge for atypical CAP.
Atypical Pneumonia: Definition, Causes, and Imaging Features
Pneumonia is among the most common causes of death worldwide. The epidemiologic and clinical heterogeneity of pneumonia results in challenges in diagnosis and treatment. There is inconsistency in the definition of the group of microorganisms that cause “atypical pneumonia.” Nevertheless, the use of this term in the medical and radiologic literature is common. Among the causes of community-acquired pneumonia, atypical bacteria are responsible for approximately 15% of cases. Zoonotic and nonzoonotic bacteria, as well as viruses, have been considered among the causes of atypical pneumonia.
Atypical pneumonia—time to breathe new life into a useful term?
With the common aetiological definition of the term (ie, pneumonia caused by M pneumoniae, Legionella spp, or C pneumoniae), there is little reason to classify atypical pneumonia as unusual or abnormal. As such, the adjective atypical is inappropriate and inaccurate. M pneumoniae, Legionella spp, and C pneumoniae are not uncommon causes of community-acquired pneumonia in adults.
5 Things To Know About Atypical Pneumonia, Because Hillary Clinton Isn't In Danger
It was the cough heard round the world — Hillary Clinton has pneumonia. Cue the expansive pieces about mucus, oxygen machines and doctors standing around a hospital bed talking in hushed tones. It turns out, though, that the particular type of pneumonia Clinton has reportedly contracted is relatively mild. She's got herself a case of "walking pneumonia,"...
StatPearls
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is responsible for the vast majority of atypical respiratory infections. However, only about 10% of patients who acquire mycoplasma will develop pneumonia.
CDC
Before modern diagnostic tests were available, researchers noticed that some pneumonias had different characteristics compared to “typical” pneumonias, such as: Caused slightly different symptoms than typical pneumonia, Appeared different on a chest X-ray than typical pneumonia or, Responded differently to antibiotics that were used for typical bacteria. They called these “atypical”.
MedlinePlus
Atypical pneumonia also tends to have milder symptoms than typical pneumonia.
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