Antimicrobial chemotherapy for legionnaires' disease: a review.

Abstract

Controlled trials of antimicrobial chemotherapy for legionnaires' disease have not been performed, although erythromycin and tetracycline appear to be effective therapies. Laboratory data indicate that the activities of the fluoroquinolone and newer macrolide/azalide agents against Legionella pneumophila are superior to that of erythromycin, and case reports substantiate that the activities of these agents are at least equal. Results of clinical treatment with and laboratory testing of macrolides, tetracyclines, co-trimoxazole, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, beta-lactam agents, and streptogramins are reviewed. The drugs of choice for the treatment of legionnaires' disease in immunocompromised or severely ill patients should be one of the fluoroquinolone antimicrobials rather than erythromycin.

• Authors: P H Edelstein
• Journal: Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (Clin Infect Dis) Vol. 21 Suppl 3 Pg. S265-76 (Dec 1995) ISSN: 1058-4838 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8749675 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• 4-Quinolones
• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Anti-Infective Agents
• Antifungal Agents

Topics

• 4-Quinolones
• Animals
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Anti-Infective Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antifungal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
• Female
• Guinea Pigs
• Humans
• Legionella pneumophila (drug effects)
• Legionnaires' Disease (drug therapy, mortality)
• Male
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests (methods)