Atypical pneumonia
Definition
Atypical pneumonia refers to pneumonia caused by certain bacteria, including Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae.
This article provides a general overview of atypical pneumonia.
See also:
- Legionella pneumonia (Legionnaire's disease)
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
Causes
Atypical pneumonia due to mycoplasma and chlamydophila bacteria usually cause mild forms of pneumonia, unlike other types of the disease that can come on more quickly with more severe early symptoms.
Mycoplasma pneumonia often affects younger people and may be associated with anemia, certain types of rashes, and neurological conditions such as meningitis, myelitis, and encephalitis. For more information on this type of pneumonia, see: Mycoplasma pneumonia
Pneumonia due to chlamydia-related bacteria occurs year round and accounts for 5 - 15% of all pneumonias. It is usually mild with a low death rate.
Atypical pneumonia due to Legionella accounts for 2 - 6% of pneumonias and has a higher death rate. Older adults, smokers, and those with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems are at higher risk for this type of pneumonia. Breathing in contaminated air (such as that from infected air conditioning systems) has also been linked to pneumonia due to Legionella. For more information on this type of pneumonia, see: Legionnaire's disease
Symptoms
- Chills
- Confusion (especially with Legionella pneumonia)
- Cough
- Diarrhea (especially with Legionella pneumonia)
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle stiffness and aching
- Rapid breathing
- Rash (especially with mycoplasma pneumonia)
- Shortness of breath
Treatment
Antibiotics are used to treat atypical pneumonia. If you have a mild case, you may be able to take antibiotics by mouth. If you have severe atypical pneumonia, you will likely be admitted to a hospital where you will be given antibiotics through a vein (intravenously), as well as oxygen.
Antibiotics used to treat atypical pneumonia include:
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Fluoroquinolones and their derivatives (such as levofloxacin)
- Tetracyclines (such as doxycycline)
Prognosis
Most patients with pneumonia due to mycoplasma or chlamydophila do well with appropriate antibiotic therapy, although there is a small chance that the infection will return if antibiotics are used for fewer than 2 weeks.
While atypical pneumonias are commonly associated with milder forms of pneumonia, pneumonia due to Legionella, in particular, can be quite severe, especially among the elderly and those with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems. It is associated with a higher death rate.
Prevention
There is no known prevention for atypical pneumonia. No vaccine is available at this time for atypical pneumonia.