Atypical pathogens in community-acquired pneumonia

Recognition of the importance of the atypical pathogens among the causes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has grown in recent years, together wit h the understanding that the clinical and radiologic manifestations of the disease caused by these pathogens are not pathogen-specific. The range of f requencies of atypical pathogens in various studies is very broad and is af fected by many factors that are discussed in detail. In a significant propo rtion of patients, the atypical pathogen causes CAP in conjunction with ano ther etiological agent. The diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategie s for atypical-pathogen CAP are described as they are applied today and as they can be expected to develop in the near future.