Legionella pericarditis diagnosed by direct fluorescent antibody staining

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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Purification of Pathogen Vacuoles from Legionella-infected Phagocytes
09:25

Purification of Pathogen Vacuoles from Legionella-infected Phagocytes

Published on: June 19, 2012

J A Puleo1, F A Matar, P P McKeown

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa 33606, USA.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Legionella pericarditis, a severe Legionnaire's disease complication, was diagnosed using direct fluorescent antibody staining on pericardial tissue. Video-assisted thoracoscopy proved safe and effective for diagnosis and management of this rare condition.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Legionnaire's disease is a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
  • Legionella pericarditis is an uncommon but serious complication, affecting the sac around the heart.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.

Observation:

  • A case of Legionella pericarditis is presented.
  • Diagnosis was achieved through direct fluorescent antibody staining of a pericardial tissue sample.
  • Video-assisted thoracoscopy was employed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Findings:

  • Direct fluorescent antibody staining of pericardial tissue confirmed Legionella infection.
  • Video-assisted thoracoscopy facilitated safe and effective diagnosis and management.
  • This approach highlights a viable strategy for a rare clinical presentation.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Legionella in pericarditis, especially in endemic areas or specific risk groups.
  • Direct fluorescent antibody staining on pericardial tissue is a valuable diagnostic tool.
  • Video-assisted thoracoscopy offers a minimally invasive option for managing complex cases of Legionella pericarditis.

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