Legionnaires' disease in Europe: all quiet on the eastern front?

摘要: Almost 40 years ago, a large outbreak of pneumonia caused by previously unidentified agent occurred at hotel in Philadelphia (PA, USA), affecting 182 persons and causing the death 29 [1]. All cases had attended convention American Legion, US wartime veteran service organisation. Both causative disease were named after this event: Legionella spp. Legionnaires' disease, respectively. are Gram-negative bacteria found freshwater environments worldwide tend to contaminate thrive man-made water systems [2]. is not transmitted from person person. Infection occurs following inhalation aerosols containing or aspiration contaminated water, most commonly pneumophila serogroup 1 [2, 3], but other species have been documented (table 1) [4]. usually presents as severe that may be accompanied systemic symptoms. Known risk factors for include increasing age, male sex, smoking, chronic lung diabetes various conditions associated with immunodeficiency [5, 6]. Pontiac fever milder form legionellosis, classically described an influenza-like illness. Antibiotics good intracellular action effective against any legionellosis. Azithromycin levofloxacin considered best first-line option [7, 8]. Mortality remains substantial (≈10%), even patients who receive appropriate treatment [9]. A summary characteristics presented table 2. …