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[Legionnaires' disease in cystic fibrosis]
Abstract:
A "new pneumonia" is named legionnaires' disease after a gramnegative bacillus - Legionella pneumophila, unknown until 1977. Sofar it has been observed mostly in older male patients, rarely in children and never before in Germany. The legionnaires' disease in our patient, a five and half years old boy with cystic fibrosis caused a severe dyspnea and multilobular pulmonary densifications on the chest X-ray film. The diagnosis was verified by the rise of the titer in the indirect immune fluorescence test and the success of the therapy with erythromycin.
Insights
Legionnaires' disease, caused by Legionella pneumophila, was diagnosed in a German boy with cystic fibrosis. Early diagnosis and erythromycin treatment led to successful recovery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Legionnaires' disease, caused by Legionella pneumophila, is a severe pneumonia first identified in 1977.
- This bacterial infection has predominantly affected older males and was previously unrecorded in Germany.
- Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and other organs.
Observation:
- A five-and-a-half-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis presented with severe dyspnea.
- Chest X-ray revealed multilobular pulmonary consolidations, indicative of severe pneumonia.
- This case represented the first documented instance of Legionnaires' disease in a child in Germany.
Findings:
- The patient's diagnosis was confirmed through a rising titer in the indirect immunofluorescence test.
- Legionella pneumophila was identified as the causative agent.
- The boy's condition improved significantly following treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for Legionnaires' disease in pediatric patients, particularly those with underlying conditions like cystic fibrosis.
- It underscores the importance of considering atypical pathogens in severe pneumonia, even in previously unaffected demographics or regions.
- Successful treatment with erythromycin confirms its efficacy in pediatric cases of Legionnaires' disease.