ABSTRACT
The association between respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations was first observed in the early 1970s. In particular, the role of viral upper respiratory tract infections has been evaluated both in pediatric and adult populations. More recently, evidence of Mycoplasma and Chlamydia pneumoniae involvement in asthma attacks has been reported. We will review the role of these so-called atypical pathogens in the pathogenesis of acute asthma exacerbations in both children and adults.
