RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Legionnaires’ disease: Seek and ye shall find
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 318
OP 322
VO 68
IS 4
A1 Yu, Victor L.
YR 2001
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/68/4/318.abstract
AB Legionella pneumophila is among the top three or four microbial causes of community-acquired pneumonia, yet is often misdiagnosed and inadequately treated. New laboratory tests should simplify the diagnosis. Also, contrary to common perception, the disease is usually spread via aspiration of water from contaminated hot water distribution systems, not from air conditioning systems. The treatment of choice has shifted from erythromycin to the newer macrolides and quinolones. Routine culturing of the hospital water supply is a requisite first step in preventing hospital-acquired Legionnaires’ disease.