Legionaires’ disease: Modalities, diagnosis and therapeutic

Infection with Legionella spp. is an important cause of community and hospital acquired pneumonia, occurring both sporadically and in outbreaks. The Legionaires’ disease affects primarily adults and more specifically fragile people such as elderly adult, patients affected by chronic respiratory diseases, diabetics and immunodeficient people. The contamination with legionellosis is mainly through respiratory tract, inhalation of contaminated water diffused in air. It is mainly transmitted by humidifying cooling systems and water network. The legionellosis is expressed by grip profile accompanied with fever and coughing. Others symptoms such as muscular pain, anorexia, digestive and neurological disorder might occur. The diagnosis of legionellosis is achieved by investigating the urinary antigen. But this test detects only Legionella pneumophila serogoup 1. The PCR allows fast diagnosis. However, this technique is not yet normalized. The legionellosis is mostly treated using suitable antibiotherapy. Macrolides and fluoroquinolones are the most widely used drugs in treatment.This review summarizes the available information regarding the microbiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of Legionaires’ disease.