Which class of antibiotics is commonly used to treat legionella pneumonia?

Macrolides are commonly used to treat legionella pneumonia due to their effectiveness against atypical pathogens, including Legionella species. These antibiotics, such as azithromycin and erythromycin, have good intracellular penetration and excellent activity against the Legionella bacteria, which are intracellular organisms. Macrolides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, making them particularly suitable for targeting fastidious organisms.

In contrast, beta-lactams and cephalosporins are primarily effective against common bacterial pathogens but generally do not cover atypical organisms like Legionella. Tetracyclines also have activity against Legionella; however, they are not the first-line treatment. Therefore, macrolides stand out as the preferred option due to their specific efficacy in treating legionella pneumonia.