Legionellosis

Legionellosis: Drug Therapy

Therapy goals Improvement of the symptomatology Elimination of pathogens Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Symptomatic therapy (analgesics/pain relievers, antipyretics/antipyretic drugs, antitussives/cough suppressant drugs, if appropriate). Antibiosis (antibiotic therapy): Legionella pneumonia: levofloxacin (first-line agent); alternatively, macrolide antibiotics (macrolides) clarithromycin and azithromycin. Pontiac fever: no antibiotic therapy required; symptomatic treatment usually sufficient. See also under “Further therapy“.

Legionellosis: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. X-ray of the chest (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes – if pneumonia (pneumonia) is suspected. Computed tomography of the thorax/chest (thoracic CT) – if complicated course of pneumonia is … Legionellosis: Diagnostic Tests

Legionellosis: Prevention

Prevention of legionellosis requires attention to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Alcohol Tobacco (smoking) Medication Immunosuppression Glucocorticoid therapy Tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists Prevention – prophylaxis In the context of a prevention of Legionella infections, the following measures are used: Sanitary regulations to prevent contamination of water-bearing systems. Regulations for … Legionellosis: Prevention

Legionellosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate Legionnaires’ disease (legionellosis with pneumonia/pneumonia): General malaise Cephalgia (headache) Cough (unproductive) Pain in the area of the thorax (chest) or abdomen (stomach). Fever/chills Vomiting/diarrhea (diarrhea) Drowsiness to the point of confusion states. In severe courses, respiratory insufficiency (disorder of respiration) and organ failure occur. The following symptoms and … Legionellosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Legionellosis: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) When Legionella bacteria – predominantly the bacterium Legionella pneumophila – are ingested via inhalation (of water – as an aerosol) or, in rarer cases, via aspiration, they bind to host cells in the lungs. The body’s immune system tries to eliminate the bacteria with the help of macrophages. However, this is … Legionellosis: Causes

Legionellosis: Therapy

General measures Observance of the general hygiene measures! In the occurrence of fever: Bed rest and physical rest (even with only a slight fever). Fever below 38.5 °C does not necessarily need to be treated! (Exceptions: Children prone to febrile convulsions; old, weakened people; patients with a weakened immune system). In case of fever from … Legionellosis: Therapy

Legionellosis: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin changes)? Pulsations? Bowel movements? … Legionellosis: Examination

Legionellosis: Lab Test

1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests for suspected legionellosis. Culture detection from swabs, tracheal secretions, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL; sample collection method used during bronchoscopy (lungoscopy)) [gold standard]. Antigen detection in urine (from 24 h after infection by ELISA/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or detection of Legionella DNA by PCR/polymerase chain reaction. The direct or … Legionellosis: Lab Test

Legionellosis: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of legionellosis. Family history What is the current health status of your family members? Social history Have you been traveling recently? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms have you noticed? Do you feel listless? Do you have a fever? … Legionellosis: Medical History