Nosocomial legionnaires' disease in a bone marrow transplant unit.

Abstract

We report the outcome of nosocomial legionnaires' disease in three patients who were isolated in the same sterile unit after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. In all three cases the disease presented with dramatic pulmonary symptoms, and diagnosis was ascertained by direct immunofluorescence on bronchoalveolar fluids. None of the patients underwent seroconversion. This report draws attention to: (1) the fact that bacteriological filters do not ensure absolute security; (2) the need for frequent monitoring of the two factors governing legionella growth, water temperature and chlorination; and (3) the effectiveness of quinolones as a curative and prophylactic treatment of legionnaires' disease in transplanted patients avoiding pharmacological cyclosporin interaction.

• Authors: E Benz-Lemoine, V Delwail, O Castel, F Guilhot, R Robert, G Grollier, F Roblot-Casenave, C Giraud, J Tanzer
• Journal: Bone marrow transplantation (Bone Marrow Transplant) Vol. 7 Issue 1 Pg. 61-3 (Jan 1991) ISSN: 0268-3369 [Print] England
• PMID: 1646051 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Quinolones

Topics

• Adult
• Bone Marrow Transplantation (adverse effects, pathology)
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (microbiology)
• Cross Infection (drug therapy, etiology, microbiology)
• Female
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique
• Humans
• Legionella (isolation & purification)
• Legionnaires' Disease (drug therapy, etiology, microbiology)
• Male
• Quinolones (therapeutic use)
• Temperature