Categories: Respirology/ ICU

What are “Atypical” Pathogens in Pneumonia?

WHO? Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. Causal agents for Pneumonia (CAP).

WHY? They lack a cell wall and do not retain color with gram-staining; remain colorless. They are neither Gram-positive nor Gram-negative.

TREATMENT? With ceftriaxone plus a macrolide, or with a fluoroquinolone alone.

REFERENCES

1. Blasi F.  Atypical pathogens and respiratory tract infections. Eur Respir J. 2004 Jul;24(1):171-81.

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Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

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