Legionnaires' disease in South Australia. Four case reports

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
• Early identification and treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.

Observation:

• Four severe cases of Legionnaires' disease presented with multilobar pneumonia and multi-systemic involvement.
• Central nervous, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, and coagulation systems were affected.
• Adult respiratory distress syndrome complicated respiratory management.

Findings:

• Early acute renal failure was a significant predictor of poor prognosis.
• Erythromycin was the primary antibiotic used in these cases.
• Pathological review confirmed Legionnaires' disease in Australia as early as 1974.

Implications:

• Highlights the severe systemic impact of Legionnaires' disease beyond respiratory symptoms.
• Emphasizes the importance of recognizing renal failure as a poor prognostic indicator.
• Underscores the historical presence of Legionnaires' disease in Australia, necessitating ongoing surveillance.