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Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. Microorganisms classified as atypical, because they cannot be identified by traditional microbiological methods, represent a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This review aims to synthesize the most recent evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic implications of atypical pneumonias in adults, integrating data from meta-analyses and current international recommendations. The main bacterial and viral agents are discussed, with an emphasis on suggestive clinical criteria, available diagnostic methods, and options for empirical therapy, addressing antimicrobial resistance and the rational use of antibiotic therapy, and offering a practical perspective for the management of CAP with suspected atypical pathogens.