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Cellulitis caused by Legionella pneumophila
M K Waldor1, B Wilson, M Swartz
1Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Abstract:
A patient with lymphoma presented with pneumonia. While receiving antibiotics, he developed a rapidly spreading cellulitis. The soft tissues were debrided in the operating room, and pathological examination showed fat necrosis and a fibrinopurulent exudate in the fibroadipose tissue; direct immunofluorescence of the debrided tissue revealed the presence of Legionella pneumophila. Culture of the specimen obtained during the operation yielded L. pneumophila. To our knowledge, this represents the first case report of cellulitis due to L. pneumophila.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of cellulitis caused by Legionella pneumophila in a patient with lymphoma. The infection developed despite antibiotic treatment for pneumonia, highlighting a novel clinical presentation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Legionella pneumophila is a bacterium primarily known for causing pneumonia (Legionnaires' disease).
- Soft tissue infections are not commonly associated with Legionella species.
- This case involves a patient with lymphoma, a condition that can predispose individuals to opportunistic infections.