An Overview on Atypical Pneumonia Clinical Features and Management Approach

Atypical pneumonia has evolved in recent decades to signify lower respiratory tract diseases caused by certain respiratory pathogens. These pathogens are distinguished clinically and radiologically from typical bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The spectrum of such infections includes zoonotic and non-zoonotic transmissions, with the latter being more common. The tendency of extrapulmonary involvement, which is true for each kind of atypical CAP, distinguishes clinically from classical CAP. Therefore, clinical syndromic diagnosis is important for raising the index of suspicion and commencing appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy and prompting further diagnostic testing. We aimed to review the literature to enhance the understanding and awareness of atypical pneumonia. We reviewed the literature for atypical pneumonia; clinical manifestations, approach to diagnosis, and management. Articles were chosen from the PubMed database, and selected studies were subjected to a thorough review. Atypical organisms that cause pneumonia are more likely to cause systemic disorders with a wide range of extrapulmonary symptoms. On the other hand, some of them are difficult to culture and dangerous to isolate. As a result, clinical syndromic diagnosis is crucial for raising the index of suspicion, commencing appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, and promoting specific diagnostic tests. Keywords: Atypical pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionnaire's disease