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[Legionnaires' disease--a multifaceted syndrome]
T L Katzenstein1, G Dahl, A Greulich
1Frederiksberg Hospital, medicinsk afdeling B.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|September 28, 1992
Summary
Legionella infections can affect multiple organs, causing pneumonia, facial paralysis, and kidney failure. Early treatment based on suspicion is crucial, even if other pathogens are present.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Neurology
Background:
- Legionella bacteria are known to cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
- Multiorgan involvement is a recognized complication of Legionella infections.
Observation:
- Two cases of Legionella infection presented with pneumonia, facial paresis, and acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis.
- One patient was co-infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Findings:
- Legionella can lead to neurological (facial paresis) and renal (kidney failure) complications beyond respiratory symptoms.
- Concurrent infections, such as pneumococcal pneumonia, do not rule out Legionella.
Implications:
- Prompt initiation of treatment for Legionella is recommended based on clinical suspicion due to diagnostic delays.
- The presence of other respiratory pathogens should not preclude empirical treatment for Legionella.