THE ROLE OF ATYPICAL PATHOGENS - MYCOPLASMA-PNEUMONIAE, CHLAMYDIA-PNEUMONIAE, AND LEGIONELLA-PNEUMOPHILA IN RESPIRATORY-INFECTION

Infections caused by M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, and Legionella spp. are important causes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). In the pa st decade, considerable new information has come to light concerning t hese organisms. Despite this, debate continues concerning the syndromi c approach to CAP and the scientific merit of lumping these pathogens together. Because the etiologic diagnosis of these pathogens is establ ished only in a minority of cases, the true prevalence tends to be und erestimated. Ln clinical practice, these pathogens are often empirical ly treated. More rapid and cost-effective diagnostic techniques are ne eded so that the clinical course of patients with these infections can be better characterized.