The frequency of respiratory infections, especially atypical pneumonia, is increasing significantly. Most often, atypical pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Human is the only reservoir of these atypical bacteria. The infection occurs via droplets or direct contact with a sick person or convalescent. Pneumonia of the etiology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae most often affects children without comorbidities and is usually mild, while most patients with Legionella infection require intensive care treatment. Symptoms of mycoplasma infection can range from mild symptoms in the upper respiratory tract to pneumonia and extrapulmonary symptoms. The infection is often underdiagnosed, and patients usually do not seek medical attention and treatment. Chlamydial pneumonia is, in most cases, mild, similar to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and tends to heal itself. The drugs of choice in the treatment of atypical pneumonia are macrolides, and because of the best compliance in children – azithromycin.
Estimating the prevalence of coinfection with influenza virus and the atypical bacteria Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae