[Legionella spp: An update]

Rev Med Interne. 2019 Dec;40(12):791-798. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2019.08.007. Epub 2019 Nov 6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Legionella-related disease is caused by an intracellular bacteria mainly living in water. Contamination results from inhalation of Legionella sp containing aerosolized water. Main risk factors are tobacco, immunodeficiency, and advanced age. Antigenuria is the cornerstone of the diagnosis. Immunocompromised patients, more commonly infected with non pneumophilaLegionella, present negative antigenuria, and culture and PCR are essential for the diagnosis. Legionnaires' disease may be severe, especially in elderly and/or immunocompromised patients. Mortality rate varies from 10 % in the general population to 50 % in intensive care. Treatment is based on macrolides or fluoroquinolones. Antibiotic resistance is very rare.

Keywords: Legionella pneumophila; Legionellosis; Legionnaire's disease; Légionellose; maladie du légionnaire.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Legionella / pathogenicity*
  • Legionellosis* / diagnosis
  • Legionellosis* / epidemiology
  • Legionellosis* / etiology
  • Legionellosis* / therapy
  • Legionnaires' Disease* / diagnosis
  • Legionnaires' Disease* / epidemiology
  • Legionnaires' Disease* / etiology
  • Legionnaires' Disease* / therapy
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents