Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Tractable Mammalian Cell Infections with Protozoan-primed Bacteria
13:54

Tractable Mammalian Cell Infections with Protozoan-primed Bacteria

Published on: April 2, 2013

Legionella maceachernii pneumonia in a patient with HIV infection

Kimberly Dumoff1, Paul C McGovern, Paul H Edelstein

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|October 12, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Fatal Legionella maceachernii pneumonia is a serious risk for immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV. This review highlights the critical need for accurate identification and management of this rare but deadly Legionnaires

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Legionella maceachernii is an uncommon cause of Legionnaires' disease.
  • Individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe infections.

Observation:

  • A fatal case of Legionella maceachernii pneumonia occurred in a 49-year-old male with HIV.
  • Review of three prior cases revealed all affected individuals had underlying immune defects.

Findings:

  • Legionella maceachernii infection was the cause of death in all reported cases.
  • Clinical presentation, laboratory identification, and diagnostic challenges of this pathogen are discussed.

Implications:

  • Early and accurate diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease is crucial for patient outcomes.
  • Enhanced surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for rare Legionella species are needed.
  • Understanding risk factors, such as HIV, is vital for preventing severe outcomes.

More Related Videos

Use of Galleria mellonella as a Model Organism to Study Legionella pneumophila Infection12:30

Use of Galleria mellonella as a Model Organism to Study Legionella pneumophila Infection

Published on: November 22, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.