Typical pneumonia and atypical pneumonia are two types of pneumonia, which are different in several ways. The major difference between the two types is the cause of the infection.
Typical Pneumonia
Typical pneumonia, also known as bacterial pneumonia, is caused by certain bacteria. The most common bacteria that cause this type of pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Typical pneumonia can be spread through contact with an infected person or through inhalation of droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. This type of pneumonia can also be caused by aspiration of food or drink containing bacteria.
Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, also known as mycoplasma pneumonia, is caused by a type of bacteria called mycoplasma. This type of pneumonia is spread through contact with an infected person or through inhalation of droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. Unlike typical pneumonia, atypical pneumonia is not caused by aspiration of food or drink containing bacteria.
Conclusion
The major difference between typical and atypical pneumonia is the cause of the infection. Typical pneumonia is caused by certain bacteria, while atypical pneumonia is caused by a type of bacteria called mycoplasma. Both types of pneumonia can be spread through contact with an infected person or through inhalation of droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. However, atypical pneumonia is not caused by aspiration of food or drink containing bacteria.