Atypical pneumonia

Definition

Atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, is a type of lung infection that is often caused by bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It presents with milder symptoms compared to typical bacterial pneumonia and can be caused by various pathogens including Gram-positive bacteria.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atypical pneumonia can be caused by Gram-positive bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae.
2. Symptoms of atypical pneumonia are generally milder and include a persistent dry cough, low-grade fever, and fatigue.
3. Unlike typical pneumonia, which shows consolidation in chest X-rays, atypical pneumonia often shows diffuse or patchy infiltrates.
4. Atypical pneumonia does not respond well to beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin because the causative organisms lack cell walls.
5. Diagnosis of atypical pneumonia may involve serological tests, PCR assays, or culture methods to identify specific pathogens.

Review Questions

• What are the common symptoms of atypical pneumonia?
• Why is atypical pneumonia not effectively treated with beta-lactam antibiotics?
• Which Gram-positive bacteria are commonly associated with atypical pneumonia?

Related terms

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae: A Gram-positive bacterium that lacks a cell wall and is a common cause of atypical pneumonia.

Chlamydophila Pneumoniae: A Gram-positive bacterium that can cause respiratory infections including atypical pneumonia.

PCR Assay: A laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences for identifying specific pathogens.