[Legionnaires disease].

Abstract

Legionnaires disease, more formally known as legionellosis, is a relatively common form of severe pneumonia caused by Legionella, a genus of waterborne bacteria. Legionellosis is acquired by inhalation of legionellae from contaminated environmental sources. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 is responsible for more than 80% of cases in most countries. More than 1500 cases were reported in France in 2005. Initial diagnosis is based on tests for urinary antigens. The mortality rate for legionellosis depends on the promptness of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Macrolides (erythromycin or intravenous azithromycin, which is preferred to erythromycin for its better pharmacodynamic properties) and fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin) are the antibiotics of choice for severe legionellosis.

• Authors: Sophie Jarraud, Monique Reyrolle, Hélène Meugnier, Françoise Forey, Jérôme Etienne
• Journal: Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983) (Presse Med) Vol. 36 Issue 2 Pt 2 Pg. 279-87 (Feb 2007) ISSN: 0755-4982 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Légionellose.
• PMID: 17258676 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Disinfection
• Environmental Exposure (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Legionnaires' Disease (diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology, therapy)