LAB WORK
TREATMENT OPTIONS
CLINICAL NOTES
- "Atypical" because they lack a cell wall and require special growth media since gram stain is ineffective
TREATMENT OPTIONS
- Lacks cell wall (have a unique cell membrane instead), so cell wall agents like beta lactams are ineffective
- Azithromycin OR doxycycline OR Fluoroquinolone
- Duration: 5-14 days
CLINICAL NOTES
- May cause as much as 20% of CAP cases (causing atypical pneumonia, with other possible pathogens including Chlamydia pneumoniae and Legionella)
- Incubation period of 2-3 weeks
- May not be associated with focal lobar consolidations that can be seen with other common pneumonia pathogens
- May cause a variety of dermatological conditions in as many as 25% of patients (e.g., exanthematous rash, SJS)
- May also cause cardiac manifestations (e.g., carditis) or neurological symptoms (e.g., encephalitis, aseptic meningitis)