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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
13:50

Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients

Published on: June 11, 2011

Legionellosis in patients with HIV infection

J M Bangsborg1, B N Jensen, A Friis-Møller

  • 1Statens Seruminstitut, Dept. of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Infection
|November 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Legionellosis is uncommon in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, with only 3% testing positive for Legionella via direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA). No Legionella cultures were positive, indicating low prevalence in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can compromise the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Legionellosis, caused by Legionella bacteria, is a severe form of pneumonia that can affect immunocompromised individuals.
  • Understanding the prevalence of Legionella in HIV patients is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A study analyzed 192 specimens from 180 HIV-infected patients between 1984-1988.
  • Specimens included bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids, tracheal suctions, and autopsy lung tissue.
  • Diagnostic methods included direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) and culture on buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE-alpha) media.

Findings:

  • Legionellosis was rare, with only 6 out of 180 patients (3%) testing positive by DFA.
  • No specimens were culture-positive for Legionella species.
  • Two patients presented with dual infections of Legionella and Pneumocystis carinii.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest Legionellosis is not a common opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients.
  • Current diagnostic methods like DFA and culture are valuable for identifying Legionella.
  • Further research may explore specific risk factors or diagnostic nuances in this patient group.

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