A case of nosocomial Legionnaires’ disease: The importance of early diagnosis, adequate prevention and eradication measures

Abstract

This case-report describes a patient with confirmed nosocomial Legionnaires’ disease, a diagnosis which should be suspected when pneumonia does not respond to empiric therapy with beta-lactam antibiotics, or develops in the presence of certain risk factors. Culture is currently the golden standard for diagnosis, although the use of more modern techniques, such as a combination of urinary antigen testing and polymerase chain reaction, are on the rise. Specific detection and eradication methods are discussed.

Keywords:

• Legionnaires’ disease
• Nosocomial pneumonia
• Water decontamination
• Legionella PCR

Conflicts of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.