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Follicular bronchiolitis (FBB) associated with Legionella pneumophilia infection

T Masuda1, Y Ishikawa, Y Akasaka

  • 1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Ohmori-nishi, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan. ide@med.toho-u.ac.jp

Pediatric Pathology & Molecular Medicine
|January 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A fatal case of pneumonia in an infant was linked to follicular bronchiolitis (FBB). Legionella pneumophila was identified as the causative agent using immunohistochemistry and PCR, highlighting its role in severe respiratory illness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Follicular bronchiolitis (FBB) is a rare lung condition that can cause significant respiratory compromise.
  • Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe respiratory infections due to their developing immune systems.

Observation:

  • An 8-month-old infant presented with acute respiratory distress and stridor.
  • The infant's condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to respiratory insufficiency and death.
  • Autopsy revealed follicular bronchiolitis in both lungs.

Findings:

  • Differential diagnosis considered Legionella pneumophila, Pneumocystis carinii, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • Legionella pneumophila was definitively identified as the pathogen using both immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for Legionella pneumophila to cause severe, fatal pneumonia in infants.
  • Early detection and appropriate treatment of Legionella infections are crucial in pediatric respiratory distress.
  • Further research into FBB in infants and its association with specific pathogens is warranted.

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