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Epidemiological patterns in legionellosis in Sweden.
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie, Mikrobiologie Und Hygiene. 1. Abt. Originale A, Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Infektionskrankheiten Und Parasitologie = International Journal of Microbiology and Hygiene. A, Medical Microbiology, Infectious
|July 1, 1983
Summary
Legionellosis, a type of pneumonia, has had 173 cases in Sweden since 1976, with travel and male gender being risk factors. Antibody levels indicate higher prevalence in outbreak areas.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Legionellosis, a severe pneumonia, has been reported in Sweden since 1976.
- A significant community outbreak occurred in 1979, alongside an ongoing nosocomial outbreak in a renal transplant unit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology and characteristics of legionellosis cases in Sweden.
- To identify risk factors, causative agents, and prevalence of Legionella bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of confirmed legionellosis cases reported in Sweden.
- Isolation of Legionella species from patients and environmental sources.
- Serological studies on blood donors to assess antibody prevalence.
Main Results:
- 173 cases reported since 1976, including a 1979 outbreak and a nosocomial outbreak.
- Travel-associated cases (40%) often linked to Mediterranean countries; 76% of sporadic cases were male.
- Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1, 3, 5, and 6 identified; L. micdadei and L. bozemanii also diagnosed.
- Legionellosis accounted for 1.8% of community-acquired pneumonia; antibody prevalence was 20-21% in outbreak areas versus 0-6% in non-endemic areas.
- Low fatality rate and satisfactory clinical outcomes observed.
Conclusions:
- Legionellosis surveillance in Sweden reveals distinct outbreak patterns and risk factors.
- Environmental and patient isolates confirm L. pneumophila as the primary agent, with other species also implicated.
- Serological data highlights increased exposure in outbreak-affected regions, underscoring the importance of environmental control measures.