[Ambulant atypical pneumonia: clinical diagnosis and therapy].

Atypical pneumonias are caused by mycoplasma, chlamydia and legionella species. From a clinical point of view the disease is comparable to influenza-like infections. Macrolide antibiotics covered the species which are most important. Especially new macrolides displayed better pharmacokinetic properties, allowing dose reduction and reduced frequency of intake. For legionella infections also therapy with modern quinolones is possible.