[Legionellosis in Poland in 2008]

In 2008 the 15 cases of legionellosis were reported in Poland, the incidence rate was 0.039/100 000, while 28 (incidence rate 0.073/100 0000 in 2007 and 86 cases (incidence rate 0.23/100 000) in 2006. The decrease in number and in incidence rate was due to lower number of examined specimens from patients as the financial support from Polish Committee of Research Activity has expired. All the cases were laboratory diagnosed in National Institute of Hygiene, the only place where laboratory tests are performed. Most of them were diagnosed with serological tests -determination with ELISA test the anti-legionella antibodies in IgM fraction of serum gamma globulins, as the most recent reaction for Legionella infection. Only few cases were diagnosed by detection of legionella antigen in urine. All BAL specimens from several patients were negative when examined with culture method, but some were positive with PCR only. No outbreaks were registered: In 2005-2008 the 22 cases were connected with travel: 19 - foreign travel cases, 3 in Poland. Since 1987 to 2007 the 17 foreign tourists were registered in EU countries as probably infected in Poland.