Atypical pneumonia, or "walking pneumonia" is caused by Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria. Usually, atypical pneumonias are associated with milder forms of pneumonia; however, pneumonia caused by Legionella can be severe and result in death. Those at risk for atypical pneumonias include the elderly, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems. Also, infected air conditioning systms have been linked to pneumonia caused by Legionella. Symptoms of atypical pneumonia include chills, fever, cough, muscle stiffness, and rapid breathing, among others.
Legionnaire’s disease is a lung disease caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which are found in bodies of water and in soil. In water or water systems, Legionella will attach, colonize, and form a biofilm (a protective adhesive excreted by microorganism). Since Legionnaire's disease is a water-borne illness and is mainly acquired through drinking water, it is not contagious. Between two and 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, symptoms appear and can include tiredness, weakness, high fever, cough, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, among others.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Cyclosporine, Erythromycin
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Gemifloxacin, Minocycline, Moxifloxacin, Rifampin, Tetracycline, Trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole
Mycoplasma pneumonia, an atypical pneumonia, is a lung infection caused by a type of bacteria known as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. People at highest risk for mycoplasma pneumonia are those who work or reside in crowded areas. About 15 to 50% of pneumonia in adults is mycoplasma pneumonia. Symptoms occur within one to three weeks after infection and include headache, fever, chills, excessive sweating, chest pain, sore throat, and cough.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Ciprofloxacin, Minocycline
Pneumocystis jiroveci, which was formerly known as pneumocystis carinii, is caused by the microorganism Pneumocystis jiroveci. This form of pneumonia is rare among healthy persons, but, more common and possibly fatal in those with decreased immunity such as people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Symptoms of pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) include high fever, nonproductive cough, weight loss, shortness of breath, and night sweats. Investigators believe that PCP is spread by breathing in Pneumocystis jiroveci cysts that colonize in the respiratory tract.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: None
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Clindamycin, Dapsone, Prednisone, Trimethoprim
Prevention of pneumocystis, a potentially fatal respiratory infection caused by the microorganism Pneumocystis jiroveci, is necessary in persons with a very low CD4 immune cell (a type of white blood cell that fights infections) count. Preventive Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) medication has shown to have a positive impact on patients with HIV disease. People who should receive preventive PCP drugs include those infected HIV, and possibly those with decreased immune system function that is not attributed to HIV.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Atovaquone, Cotrimoxazole (Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole), Trimetrexate
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Dapsone
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