[Atypical bacteria in respiratory tract infections --pathogenesis and diagnosis]

Abstract

Atypical bacteria, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumonia and Legionella pneumophila play significant role in respiratory tract infections and account for 40% of all cases of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). These organisms also commonly occur as co-pathogens in mixed infections with mortality rates as high as 25%. The biological mechanisms and diagnosis of atypical infections is presented in this study.