From the Guidelines
Walking pneumonia is primarily caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, though other organisms like Chlamydophila pneumoniae and certain viruses can also cause it. This mild form of pneumonia differs from more severe types because it typically doesn't require hospitalization and allows patients to continue their daily activities while infected, hence the name "walking" pneumonia. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it's particularly common in crowded settings like schools, dormitories, and military barracks.
Key Points
- Symptoms develop gradually and include:
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Treatment usually involves antibiotics such as:
- Azithromycin (500mg on day 1, then 250mg daily for 4 more days)
- Doxycycline (100mg twice daily for 5-7 days)
- Clarithromycin (500mg twice daily for 7-14 days)
- Most people recover completely with proper treatment, though the cough may persist for several weeks
- Good hygiene practices like handwashing and covering coughs can help prevent transmission of this common respiratory infection, as noted in studies such as 1.
The most recent and highest quality study, 1, provides the most up-to-date information on the causes of atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia. This study highlights the importance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and certain viruses as the primary causes of walking pneumonia. It also emphasizes the need for proper treatment and prevention measures to reduce the transmission of this common respiratory infection.
From the FDA Drug Label
Community-acquired pneumonia due to Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Streptococcus pneumoniae in patients appropriate for oral therapy Clinical success rates in patients with atypical pneumonia due to Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila were 96%, 96%, and 70%, respectively.
The cause of atypical pneumonia (walking pneumonia) is often due to bacterial pathogens such as:
From the Research
Causes of Atypical Pneumonia
The causes of atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, can be attributed to several pathogens, including:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Chlamydia pneumoniae 4, 5, 8
- Legionella species 4, 5, 8
- Chlamydia psittaci (psittacosis) 5
- Francisella tularensis (tularemia) 5
- Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) 5
Pathogenic Mechanisms
The pathogenic mechanisms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, one of the primary causes of atypical pneumonia, involve:
- Adhesion damage 7
- Direct damage including nutrient predation, invasion, and toxin 7
- Cytokine-induced inflammation damage 7
- Immune evasion effect 7
- Direct damage mediated by invasion and inflammatory factors 7
- Indirect damage caused by host immune response 7
- Vascular occlusion 7
Clinical Features
Atypical pneumonia often presents with extrapulmonary manifestations, including:
- Respiratory tract symptoms 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Extrapulmonary features such as ear pain, nonproductive cough, and central nervous system and gastrointestinal abnormalities 4, 5
- Systemic infectious diseases with a pulmonary component 5
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of atypical pneumonia can be challenging, but it is essential to differentiate it from typical pneumonia to select appropriate antibiotic therapy 5, 8. Treatment options include: