Community acquired pneumonia by Legionella pneumophila: Study of 136 cases

Most of the data on Legionella pneumonia in our country come from the Mediterranean area, and there are few studies from the Northwest area. This study tries to assess the situation of this infection in this area.

Retrospective study of all patients with positive Legionella antigenuria treated at the University Hospital Lucus Augusti in Lugo (Spain) from 2001, the year in which this test was introduced in our centre, until 2015. We analysed epidemiological data, risk factors, clinical, radiological and biochemical findings, and clinical outcome.

The sampled included 136 patients. When comparing the first five years of the study with the last five, the incidence increased from 10.9 to 64.5 cases/1,000,000; the number of antigenuria requests increased 3.4 times, and compared to other pneumonia aetiologies Legionella increased from 0.9% to 15%. The mean age was 64.1years and 84.6% were males; 74.3% had comorbidities. Males were significantly younger (62.7±16.6 vs 71.9±17.3) and consumed more alcohol (26.1% vs 0%) and tobacco (67.8% vs 14.3%). Diagnosis was established within the first 72hours in 88.9% of cases and most received levofloxacin (95.6%). Hospitalisation was needed in 85% of cases, 11.7% in ICU and 4.4% died.

After the introduction of antigenuria there was an increase in the incidence of Legionella pneumonia recorded in our health area. Its rate in recent years has been one of the highest in our country. Despite the fact that the patients had advanced age and comorbidities, mortality was low.