Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
12:30
Use of Galleria mellonella as a Model Organism to Study Legionella pneumophila Infection
Published on: November 22, 2013
40.4K
Legionella pneumonia: A Case of Fever Prolonged for 10 Days
Matthew W Spretz1, Martin M Orrukem1, Bisma Khwaja1
1Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.
Cureus
|June 10, 2024
Summary
Legionnaires disease, a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, requires prompt diagnosis. Early Legionella testing and tailored antibiotics are crucial for patient recovery, especially when initial treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Legionnaires disease is a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila.
- Exposure can occur in community or healthcare settings.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A patient presented with prolonged fever, dyspnea, and diarrhea, initially diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia.
- Initial empiric antibiotics did not lead to clinical improvement.
- Urine Legionella antigen testing was positive on hospital day four.
Findings:
- Tailoring antibiotics based on positive Legionella antigen testing resulted in significant clinical improvement.
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic workups.
- Delayed specific diagnosis can prolong hospitalization and worsen patient prognosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for broad diagnostic testing in severe pneumonia cases.
- Emphasizes re-evaluating treatment strategies for non-improving patients.
- Suggests Legionella should be considered even with initial negative indicators.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Increased Body Temperature
653
A body temperature above 38°C (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in...
653
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
255
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
255
01:26Patterns of Fever
2.5K
Before understanding the types and patterns of fever, it is essential to know its phases.
2.5K
01:25Types of Fever
364
Fever can be triggered by several factors, including infections, nervous system disorders, certain cancers, blood diseases like leukemia, embolism, thrombosis, heatstroke, dehydration, surgical trauma, crushing injuries, and allergic reactions.
Here are the different types of fever:
Here are the different types of fever:
364
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
221
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...
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...
221
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
200
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
200