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Li S, Zhang Y, Han D. Severe community‑acquired pneumonia caused by Legionella gormanii in combination with influenza A subtype (H1N1) virus in an immunocompetent patient detected by metagenomic next‑generation sequencing: A case report. Biomed Rep 2024; 21:145. [PMID: 39170755 PMCID: PMC11337151 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumonia is an atypical form of pneumonia caused by Legionella gormanii that can also lead to multiple organ diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Legionella gormanii requires a long incubation period for culture in clinical practice using BCYE medium. The specificity of serum for serological detection is low, resulting in a relatively high rate of missed Legionella diagnoses. Contracting the H1N1 virus can lead to the misdiagnosis of Legionella gormanii. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a novel tool that can rapidly and accurately identify potential Legionella gormanii strains. A severe case of community-acquired pneumonia in a 79-year-old patient was reported. The patient was diagnosed with Legionella gormanii and influenza A subtype (H1N1) virus using mNGS at The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. After anti-Legionella and antiviral therapy, the number of reads identifying Legionella gormanii in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using mNGS decreased from 665 to 112 as the patient's condition gradually improved. A search of PubMed revealed few reports of Legionella gormanii in association with the influenza A subtype (H1N1) virus. Patients with severe pneumonia caused by Legionella and influenza A subtype H1N1 virus infections should be screened early for infections using methods such as mNGS. This approach enables early and precise treatment, simplifying the administration of antibiotics and enhancing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310005, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310005, P.R. China
| | - Dongsheng Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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2
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Kutsuna S, Ohbe H, Kanda N, Matsui H, Yasunaga H. Epidemiological Analysis of Legionella Pneumonia in Japan: A National Inpatient Database Study. J Epidemiol 2024; 34:365-371. [PMID: 38105002 PMCID: PMC11230878 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20230178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legionella pneumonia, a severe form of pneumonia, is caused by Legionella bacteria. The epidemiology of Legionnaires' disease in Japan, including seasonal trends, risk factors for severe disease, and fatality rates, is unclear. This study examined the epidemiology of Legionella pneumonia in Japan. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included data of adult patients hospitalized for Legionella pneumonia (identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code, A481) in the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database, from April 2011 to March 2021. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to explore the prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Of 7,370 enrolled hospitalized patients from 1,140 hospitals (male, 84.4%; aged >50 years, 87.9%), 469 (6.4%) died during hospitalization. The number of hospitalized patients increased yearly, from 658 in 2016 to 975 in 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that higher in-hospital mortality was associated with older age, male sex, lower body mass index, worsened level of consciousness, comorbidities (congestive heart failure, chronic renal diseases, and metastasis), hospitalization from November to May, and ambulance use. However, lower in-hospital mortality was associated with comorbidity (liver diseases), hospitalization after 2013, and hospitalization in hospitals with higher case volume. CONCLUSION The characterized epidemiology of Legionella pneumonia in Japan revealed a high mortality rate of 6.4%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate a higher mortality rate in winter and in patients with congestive heart failure and metastasis. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between the prognostic factors of Legionella pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Kutsuna
- Department of Infection Control, Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ohbe
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Kanda
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Yasunaga
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Staff M, Nyinawingeri A. The increasing health burden of Legionella Pneumophila in NSW. Infect Dis Health 2024; 29:137-143. [PMID: 38609771 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legionella pneumophila can cause severe respiratory disease and is notifiable in NSW. An analysis of notifications linked to hospitalisation and death data over the period 2010-2022 was conducted to determine the burden of disease and any association with the introduction of NSW regulatory changes in 2018. METHODS Cases were retrospectively identified from the Notifiable Conditions Records for Epidemiology and Surveillance (NCRES). Data on related morbidity and mortality were obtained from linked data within the NSW Communicable Disease Register (CDR). The impact of the regulatory change was evaluated by analysing monthly count data using an interrupted time series analysis. RESULTS A total of 928 cases were notified with 84% admitted to hospital. Annual adjusted notification and admission rates increased over the period from 4.40 to 7.92 cases and 3.72 to 7.20 admissions, per 1,000,000 population, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was 14 days with a median of 8 days (range 1-262 days). Time series analysis identified an underlying increasing time trend in cases notified per month with an IRR of 1.069 (95% ci 0.751-1.523) post 2018 regulatory implementation. CONCLUSION L. pneumophila is posing an increasing burden of disease with an underlying upward trend in notification incidence despite the introduction of regulatory changes in 2018. IMPLICATION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE This study demonstrates how linking notification, hospitalisation and death data can measure the health burden of a notifiable condition. Furthermore, time-series analysis using these data is able to identify underlying temporal trends and evaluate policy changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Staff
- Northern Sydney Local Health District, Public Health Unit, Level 3, Leighton Lodge, Hornsby Hospital, Hornsby, New South Wales 2077, Australia.
| | - Adelaide Nyinawingeri
- Northern Sydney Local Health District, Public Health Unit, Level 1, Building 36, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia.
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Zahid MT, Mustafa G, Sajid R, Razzaq A, Waheed M, Khan MA, Hwang JH, Park YK, Chung WJ, Jeon BH. Surviving chlorinated waters: bleaching sensitivity and persistence of free-living amoebae. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:48073-48084. [PMID: 39017868 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34379-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Recent advancements in membrane technologies and disinfection methods have enhanced drinking water quality significantly. However, microorganisms, including free-living amoebae (FLA), persist and pose potential threats to humans. FLA are linked to severe neuro-ophthalmic infections and serve as hosts of pathogenic bacteria. This study examined FLA presence in chlorinated and ultrafiltration drinking water and evaluated chlorine's disinfectant. Of 115 water samples, 21 tested positive for Acanthamoeba sp., Allovahlkampfia sp., and Vermamoeba vermiformis, originating from chlorinated sources. FLA trophozoites withstand temperatures up to 37 °C, while the cysts tolerate heat shocks of 60-70 °C. Trophozoites are susceptible to 5 mg L-1 chlorine, but cysts remain viable at concentrations up to 10 mg L-1. FLAs' survival in chlorinated waters is attributed to high cyst tolerance and lower residual chlorine concentrations. These findings highlight the need for ultrafiltration or enhanced chlorination protocols to ensure safer drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tariq Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Institute of Biological Sciences, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Earth Resources & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222-Wangsimni-Ro, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Zoology, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Institute of Biological Sciences, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Earth Resources & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222-Wangsimni-Ro, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Romasa Sajid
- Department of Zoology, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Institute of Biological Sciences, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Razzaq
- Department of Zoology, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Institute of Biological Sciences, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muzdalfa Waheed
- Department of Zoology, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Institute of Biological Sciences, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Moonis Ali Khan
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jae-Hoon Hwang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Young Kwon Park
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jin Chung
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, 154-42 Gwanggyosan-Ro, Yeongtong-Gu, Suwon-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 16227, Republic of Korea
| | - Byong-Hun Jeon
- Department of Earth Resources & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222-Wangsimni-Ro, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Wong KK, Segura T, Mein G, Lu J, Hannapel EJ, Kunz JM, Ritter T, Smith JC, Todeschini A, Nugen F, Edens C. Automated cooling tower detection through deep learning for Legionnaires' disease outbreak investigations: a model development and validation study. Lancet Digit Health 2024; 6:e500-e506. [PMID: 38906615 DOI: 10.1016/s2589-7500(24)00094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cooling towers containing Legionella spp are a high-risk source of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. Manually locating cooling towers from aerial imagery during outbreak investigations requires expertise, is labour intensive, and can be prone to errors. We aimed to train a deep learning computer vision model to automatically detect cooling towers that are aerially visible. METHODS Between Jan 1 and 31, 2021, we extracted satellite view images of Philadelphia (PN, USA) and New York state (NY, USA) from Google Maps and annotated cooling towers to create training datasets. We augmented training data with synthetic data and model-assisted labelling of additional cities. Using 2051 images containing 7292 cooling towers, we trained a two-stage model using YOLOv5, a model that detects objects in images, and EfficientNet-b5, a model that classifies images. We assessed the primary outcomes of sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of the model against manual labelling on test datasets of 548 images, including from two cities not seen in training (Boston [MA, USA] and Athens [GA, USA]). We compared the search speed of the model with that of manual searching by four epidemiologists. FINDINGS The model identified visible cooling towers with 95·1% sensitivity (95% CI 94·0-96·1) and a PPV of 90·1% (95% CI 90·0-90·2) in New York City and Philadelphia. In Boston, sensitivity was 91·6% (89·2-93·7) and PPV was 80·8% (80·5-81·2). In Athens, sensitivity was 86·9% (75·8-94·2) and PPV was 85·5% (84·2-86·7). For an area of New York City encompassing 45 blocks (0·26 square miles), the model searched more than 600 times faster (7·6 s; 351 potential cooling towers identified) than did human investigators (mean 83·75 min [SD 29·5]; mean 310·8 cooling towers [42·2]). INTERPRETATION The model could be used to accelerate investigation and source control during outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease through the identification of cooling towers from aerial imagery, potentially preventing additional disease spread. The model has already been used by public health teams for outbreak investigations and to initialise cooling tower registries, which are considered best practice for preventing and responding to outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K Wong
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Jia Lu
- University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Jasen M Kunz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Troy Ritter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica C Smith
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Fred Nugen
- University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Chris Edens
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Zhu A, Ma Q, Liu Z. Omadacycline for the treatment of patients with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia after experiencing liver dysfunction: case series. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1408443. [PMID: 38933033 PMCID: PMC11199887 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1408443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antibiotics frequently induce abnormal liver function. Omadacycline is a novel aminomethylcycline antibiotic, which shows potent activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic, anaerobic, and atypical (including Legionella pneumophila) bacteria. Of note, omadacycline is tolerable in most patients with liver impairment. However, evidence regarding the application of omadacycline in patients with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia after experiencing liver dysfunction is scarce. Methods The current study reported 6 cases of patients with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia receiving omadacycline as subsequent antibiotics after experiencing liver dysfunction. Results These 6 cases were admitted to the hospital for pneumonia and received antibiotic therapy, including piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, meropenem, and moxifloxacin. After receiving these antibiotics, increased liver enzymes were noted. Although hepatoprotective therapy (such as magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate and glutathione) was given, the liver function was still abnormal. According to metagenomic next-generation sequencing, these patients were diagnosed with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia. Considering the abnormal liver function, the antibiotic therapy was switched to omadacycline-containing antibiotic therapy. After that, liver function was improved, and the infection was ameliorated. Ultimately, all patients discharged from the hospital, including 2 patients who achieved complete clinical symptomatic improvement and 4 patients who achieved partial clinical symptomatic improvement. Discussion This study emphasizes the successful treatment of switching to omadacycline after experiencing abnormal liver function in patients with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia. This study suggests that omadacycline may serve as an optional antibiotic for patients with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia, especially when occurring liver dysfunction. However, more clinical studies are required to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhiyan Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xi’an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
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7
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Pan Y, Xing Y, Lai Y, Dong H, Sheng H, Xu W. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing reveals co-infection with Legionella pneumophila and Fusobacterium necrophorum in a patient with severe pneumonia: a case report. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:279. [PMID: 38867173 PMCID: PMC11170816 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03097-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legionella pneumonia is one of the most severe types of atypical pneumonia, impairing multiple organ systems, posing a threat to life. Diagnosing Legionella pneumonia is challenging due to difficulties in culturing the bacteria and limitations in immunoassay sensitivity and specificity. CASE PRESENTATION This paper reports a rare case of sepsis caused by combined infection with Legionella pneumophila and Fusobacterium necrophorum, leading to respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, acute liver injury, myocardial damage, and electrolyte disorders. In addition, we systematically reviewed literature on patients with combined Legionella infections, analyzing their clinical features, laboratory results and diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS For pathogens that require prolonged incubation periods and are less sensitive to conventional culturing methods, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can be a powerful supplement to pathogen screening and plays a significant role in the auxiliary diagnosis of complex infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqi Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Yi Xing
- Department of Hospital Infection Management, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Yanan Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Huixing Dong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Huiming Sheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Weihong Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China.
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Mada PK, Khan MH. Legionella-Induced Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e62066. [PMID: 38989332 PMCID: PMC11235156 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumonia is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. It often presents with atypical symptoms and can lead to complications such as rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, we report a case of Legionella pneumonia-induced rhabdomyolysis and AKI in a 32-year-old male. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated creatinine kinase levels and acute kidney injury. Further investigation confirmed Legionella pneumonia. The patient was promptly treated with appropriate antibiotics and supportive care, resulting in clinical improvement and resolution of rhabdomyolysis and AKI. This case underscores the importance of considering Legionella pneumonia as a potential cause of rhabdomyolysis and AKI, especially in patients with atypical pneumonia presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad H Khan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
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Coniglio MA, Yassin MH. Clinical and Environmental Surveillance for the Prevention of Legionellosis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:939. [PMID: 38792769 PMCID: PMC11123962 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Legionella is a Gram-negative bacterium whose natural hosts are aquatic protozoa, in which the microorganism replicates and is protected from adverse environmental conditions [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Coniglio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Via S. Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mohamed H. Yassin
- Infectious Diseases and Infection Prevention Department, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and Public Health Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
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Ito A, Ishida T, Tachibana H, Nakanishi Y, Kawataki M, Yamazaki A, Washio Y. Identification rate of Legionella species in non-purulent sputum culture is comparable to that in purulent sputum culture in Legionella pneumonia. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0166523. [PMID: 38501659 PMCID: PMC11005338 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01665-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Many Legionella pneumonia patients do not produce sputum, and it is unknown whether purulent sputum is required for the identification of Legionella species. This study aimed to evaluate the identification rate of Legionella species based on sputum quality and the factors predictive of Legionella infection. This study included Legionella pneumonia patients at Kurashiki Central Hospital from November 2000 to December 2022. Sputum quality, based on gram staining, was classified as the following: Geckler 1/2, 3/6 and 4/5. Geckler 4/5 was defined as purulent sputum. The sputa of 104 of 124 Legionella pneumonia patients were cultured. Fifty-four patients (51.9%) were identified with Legionella species, most of which were Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (81.5%). The identification rates of Legionella species according to sputum quality were 57.1% (16/28) in Geckler 1/2 sputum, 50.0% (34/68) in Geckler 3/6 sputum, and 50.0% (4/8) in Geckler 4/5 sputum, which were not significantly different (P = 0.86). On multivariate analysis, pre-culture treatment with anti-Legionella antimicrobials (odds ratio [OR] 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.91), Pneumonia Severity Index class ≥IV (OR 2.57 [95% CI 1.02-6.71]), and intensive care unit admission (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.06-10.09) correlated with the ability to identify Legionella species, but sputum quality did not (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.17-4.41). The identification rate of Legionella species in non-purulent sputum was similar to that in purulent sputum. For the diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia, sputum should be collected before administering anti-Legionella antibiotics and cultured regardless of sputum quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ohara Healthcare Foundation, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Tadashi Ishida
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ohara Healthcare Foundation, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Tachibana
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization, Minami Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yosuke Nakanishi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ohara Healthcare Foundation, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Masanori Kawataki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ohara Healthcare Foundation, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Akio Yamazaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Washio
- Research Institute for Diseases of the Chest, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Thizy G, Flahault A, Scemla A, Roux O, Jarraud S, Lebeaux D, Pouchot J, Gautier-Vargas G, Malvezzi P, Murris M, Vuotto F, Girerd S, Pansu N, Antonini T, Elkrief L, Barrou B, Besch C, Blot M, Boignard A, Brenier H, Coilly A, Gouezel C, Hannah K, Housssel-Debry P, Jouan J, Lecuyer H, Limelette A, Luyt CE, Melloni B, Pison C, Rafat C, Rebibou JM, Savier E, Schvartz B, Scatton O, Toure F, Varnous S, Vidal P, Savoye E, Ader F, Lortholary O, Lanternier F, Lafont E. Legionnaires Disease in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Decade-Long Nationwide Study in France. Chest 2024; 165:507-520. [PMID: 37839586 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legionnaires disease (LD) is a rare, life-threatening opportunistic bacterial infection that poses a significant risk to patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity such as solid organ transplant recipients. However, the epidemiologic features, clinical presentation, and outcomes of LD in this population are poorly described. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the clinical manifestations, radiologic presentation, risk factors for severity, treatment, and outcome of LD in solid organ transplant recipients? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS In this 10-year multicenter retrospective cohort study in France, where LD notification is mandatory, patients were identified by hospital discharge databases. Diagnosis of LD relied on positive culture findings from any respiratory sample, positive urinary antigen test (UAT) results, positive specific serologic findings, or a combination thereof. Severe LD was defined as admission to the ICU. RESULTS One hundred one patients from 51 transplantation centers were eligible; 64 patients (63.4%) were kidney transplant recipients. Median time between transplantation and LD was 5.6 years (interquartile range, 1.5-12 years). UAT results were positive in 92% of patients (89/97). Among 31 patients with positive culture findings in respiratory samples, Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was identified in 90%. Chest CT imaging showed alveolar consolidation in 98% of patients (54 of 57), ground-glass opacity in 63% of patients (36 of 57), macronodules in 21% of patients (12 of 57), and cavitation in 8.8% of patients (5 of 57). Fifty-seven patients (56%) were hospitalized in the ICU. In multivariate analysis, severe LD was associated with negative UAT findings at presentation (P = .047), lymphopenia (P = .014), respiratory symptoms (P = .010), and pleural effusion (P = .039). The 30-day and 12-month mortality rates were 8% (8 of 101) and 20% (19 of 97), respectively. In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus was the only factor associated with 12-month mortality (hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% OR, 1.19-8.64; P = .022). INTERPRETATION LD is a late and severe complication occurring in solid organ transplant recipients that may present as pulmonary nodules on which diabetes impacts its long-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Thizy
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Adrien Flahault
- Service de Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale, CHRU Nancy-Brabois, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Anne Scemla
- Service de Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Olivier Roux
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, Université Paris Cité, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Clichy, France
| | - Sophie Jarraud
- Centre National de Référence des Légionelles, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm 1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, France
| | - David Lebeaux
- Unité Mobile d'Infectiologie, Service de Microbiologie, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Jacques Pouchot
- Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Gabriela Gautier-Vargas
- Service de Néphrologie et Transplantation, Hôpital Civil, CHRU Hautepierre, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Paolo Malvezzi
- Service de Néphrologie, Dialyse, Aphérèses et Transplantation, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Université de Grenoble, la Tronche, France
| | - Marlene Murris
- Service de Pneumologie-Consultation Mucoviscidose, Pôle Voies Respiratoires, CHU de Toulouse-Hôpital Larrey, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Fanny Vuotto
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sophie Girerd
- Service de Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale, CHRU Nancy-Brabois, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Nathalie Pansu
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Teresa Antonini
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Universitaire Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France; Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
| | - Laure Elkrief
- Service d'Hépatologie, CHRU de Tours, Hôpital Trousseau, Université de Tours, Chambray-lès-Tours, France
| | - Benoit Barrou
- Département d'Urologie, Néphrologie et Transplantation, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Camille Besch
- Service de Chirurgie Hépato-Bilio-Pancréatique et Transplantation Hépatique, CHRU Hautepierre, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathieu Blot
- Département de Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Dijon-Bourgogne, Université de Bourgogne, France
| | - Aude Boignard
- Service de Cardiologie, CHU de Grenoble, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Université de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Henri Brenier
- Service de Néphrologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pontchaillou, Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Audrey Coilly
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Corentin Gouezel
- Service d'Anesthésie et Réanimation de Chirurgie Cardiaque, Hôpital Bichat, Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Kaminski Hannah
- Service de Néphrologie, Transplantation Dialyse, Aphérèses, CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Pellegrin, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pauline Housssel-Debry
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Jerome Jouan
- Service de Chirurgie Cardiaque, CHU Limoges, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Limoges, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Hervé Lecuyer
- Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Hôpital Necker Enfants-Malades, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Anne Limelette
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Hôpital Robert Debré, CHU de Reims, Université de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Charles Edouard Luyt
- Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Boris Melloni
- Service de Pathologie Respiratoire, CHU Limoges, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Limoges, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Christophe Pison
- Service de Pneumologie Physiologie, Pôle Thorax et Vaisseaux, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Université de Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Cédric Rafat
- Service de Soins Intensifs Néphrologique et Rein Aigu, Hôpital Tenon, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Rebibou
- Service de Néphrologie, Transplantation Hémodialyse, CHU, Université de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Eric Savier
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Hépato-Bilio-Pancréatique, Transplantation Hépatique, CHU Pitié-Salpêtriere, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Betoul Schvartz
- Service de Néphrologie, Hémodialyse, Transplantation Rénale, CHU de Reims, Université de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Olivier Scatton
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive Hépato-Bilio-Pancréatique et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Fatouma Toure
- Service Néphrologie, CHU Limoges, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Limoges, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Shaida Varnous
- Service de Chirurgie Cardiaque et Thoracique, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Pauline Vidal
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Hygiène, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Emilie Savoye
- Organ and Tissue Procurement and Transplantation Department, French Biomedicine Agency, Saint Denis La Plaine, France
| | - Florence Ader
- Centre National de Référence des Légionelles, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm 1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, France; Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Universitaire Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Fanny Lanternier
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Lafont
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Universitaire, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.
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Yu F, Nair AA, Lauper U, Luo G, Herb J, Morse M, Savage B, Zartarian M, Wang M, Lin S. Mysteriously rapid rise in Legionnaires' disease incidence correlates with declining atmospheric sulfur dioxide. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae085. [PMID: 38476666 PMCID: PMC10929586 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Legionnaires' disease (LD) is a severe form of pneumonia (∼10-25% fatality rate) caused by inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella, a pathogenic gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria can grow, spread, and aerosolize through building water systems. A recent dramatic increase in LD incidence has been observed globally, with a 9-fold increase in the United States from 2000 to 2018, and with disproportionately higher burden for socioeconomically vulnerable subgroups. Despite the focus of decades of research since the infamous 1976 outbreak, substantial knowledge gaps remain with regard to source of exposure and the reason(s) for the dramatic increase in LD incidence. Here, we rule out factors indicated in literature to contribute to its long-term increases and identify a hitherto unexplored explanatory factor. We also provide an epidemiological demonstration that the occurrence of LD is linked with exposure to cooling towers (CTs). Our results suggest that declining sulfur dioxide air pollution, which has many well-established health benefits, results in reduced acidity of aerosols emitted from CTs, which may prolong the survival duration of Legionella in contaminated CT droplets and contribute to the increase in LD incidence. Mechanistically associating decreasing aerosol acidity with this respiratory disease has implications for better understanding its transmission, predicting future risks, and informed design of preventive and interventional strategies that consider the complex impacts of continued sulfur dioxide changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqun Yu
- Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| | - Arshad A Nair
- Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| | - Ursula Lauper
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection, Albany, NY 12223, USA
| | - Gan Luo
- Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| | - Jason Herb
- Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12226, USA
| | - Matthew Morse
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection, Albany, NY 12223, USA
| | - Braden Savage
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection, Albany, NY 12223, USA
| | - Martin Zartarian
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection, Albany, NY 12223, USA
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Shao Lin
- School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12144, USA
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13
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Noh HD, Oh J, Park KH, Park B. An Epidemiological Study on Legionnaires' Disease in Gyeonggi Province, Korea: Occurrence, Infection Routes, and Risk Factors for Mortality (2016-2022). MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:227. [PMID: 38399516 PMCID: PMC10890248 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Legionnaires' disease (LD) is an acute respiratory disease with increasing annual numbers of reported domestic and global cases. This study aimed to establish foundational data for the prevention and control of LD by investigating the occurrence and infection routes of reported and suspected cases of LD in Gyeonggi Province, Korea, from January 2016 to December 2022, and by and analyzing the risk factors for death. Materials and Methods: A sex-and-age standardization was performed on LD patients and suspected cases reported in Gyeonggi Province. The monthly average number of confirmed cases was visualized using graphs, and a survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The mortality risk ratio was estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The incidence of LD in Gyeonggi Province mirrored the national trend, peaking in July with the highest number of confirmed and suspected cases. While there was no significant difference in survival rates by age, the survival rate was higher for suspected cases when analyzed separately. Comparing the death ratio by infection route, nosocomial infections showed the highest death ratio, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and the presence of coinfections were significantly correlated with mortality. Factors such as nosocomial infection, admission within 1 to 3 days following diagnosis, and the development of complications were factors contributing to a higher risk of death. Conclusions: The general characteristics of patients with LD were similar to those suggested by previous studies. The proportion of community-acquired infections was lower than in previous studies, but the length of hospital stay was similar for survivors and the deceased, and the mortality rate within 30 days after diagnosis was higher for nosocomial infections. In conclusion, nosocomial infection, a period of up to 3 days from admission to diagnosis, and complications were significantly related to the mortality rate of LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Deun Noh
- Gyeonggi Infectious Disease Control Center, Health Bureau, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon 16508, Republic of Korea; (H.-D.N.); (J.O.); (K.-H.P.)
| | - Jeonghyeon Oh
- Gyeonggi Infectious Disease Control Center, Health Bureau, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon 16508, Republic of Korea; (H.-D.N.); (J.O.); (K.-H.P.)
| | - Kun-Hee Park
- Gyeonggi Infectious Disease Control Center, Health Bureau, Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Suwon 16508, Republic of Korea; (H.-D.N.); (J.O.); (K.-H.P.)
| | - Boyoung Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
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14
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Buchholz U, Brodhun B, Lehfeld AS. Incidence of Legionnaires' Disease among Travelers Visiting Hotels in Germany, 2015-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:13-19. [PMID: 38146962 PMCID: PMC10756367 DOI: 10.3201/eid3001.231064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We determined whether the incidence rates of travel-associated Legionnaires' disease (TALD) in hotels in Germany increased after a previous occurrence and whether control measures required by the European Legionnaires' Disease Surveillance Network after a cluster (>2 cases within 2 years) restored the rate to baseline. We analyzed TALD surveillance data from Germany during 2015-2019; a total of 307 TALD cases (163 domestic, 144 nondomestic) in hotels were reported. The incidence rate ratio was 5.5 (95% CI 3.6-7.9) for a second case and 25 (95% CI 11-50) for a third case after a cluster had occurred, suggesting that control measures initiated after the occurrence of TALD clusters might be inadequate to restore the incidence rate to baseline. Our findings indicate that substantial LD preventive measures should be explored by hotels or other accommodations after the first TALD case occurs to reduce the risk for future infections.
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15
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Laganà P, Facciolà A, Palermo R, De Giglio O, Delia SA, Gioffrè ME. The Presence of Legionella in Water Used for Car Washing: Implications for Public Health. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2992. [PMID: 38138135 PMCID: PMC10745634 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although today all of the aspects of Legionella are better understood than in the past, in many countries the interest is still mainly focused on healthcare and tourism facilities. Other at-risk areas are less explored, such as those where workers are often in contact with water during their activities. In reality, any water system capable of producing aerosols can be considered a potential source of Legionella transmission, including car washes, where a large number of users work and flow through annually. From January to May 2022, 120 samples were carried out in 30 car washes located in Messina (Italy): 60 samples of water and 60 of aerosols. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the risk of legionellosis in car washing workers exposed to potentially contaminated aerosols. To increase the probability of finding Legionella, the sample collections were organized on different days of the week. Of the total samples taken, 10 (8.3%) were positive for Legionella: seven (11.7%) water (range 100-1000 CFU) and three (5%) aerosol (range 10-150 CFU) samples. Detected serogroups were L. pneumophila sgr 1, 7, 10 and Legionella gormanii. Given the results obtained, preventative measures should be implemented in such facilities in order to protect the health of users and car wash operators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualina Laganà
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Branch of Messina, Department of Biomedical Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.F.); (S.A.D.)
| | - Alessio Facciolà
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Branch of Messina, Department of Biomedical Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.F.); (S.A.D.)
| | - Roberta Palermo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Osvalda De Giglio
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Section of Hygiene, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Santi Antonino Delia
- Regional Reference Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Surveillance of Legionellosis, Branch of Messina, Department of Biomedical Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.F.); (S.A.D.)
| | - Maria Eufemia Gioffrè
- Multispecialty Clinical Institute, Trauma Orthopedic Care, Via Ducezio 1, 98124 Messina, Italy;
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Wang Y, Yang L, Ma J, Tang J, Chen M. Unraveling the antibiotic resistome in backwater zones of large cascade reservoirs: Co-occurrence patterns, horizontal transfer directions and health risks. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 347:119144. [PMID: 37776796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The widespread occurrence of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) throughout aquatic environments has raised global concerns for public health. However, the profiles and patterns of antibiotic resistome in backwater zone of cascade reservoirs, where water flow is slowed down, are still poorly understood. Here, we proposed a metagenomic analysis framework to comprehensively reveal the diversity, abundance, co-occurrence patterns and transfer direction of ARGs in cascade reservoirs system and evaluated their health risks through a procedure based on contigs. A total of 364 ARGs subtypes conferring resistance to different antibiotics classes were detected in our water samples, and the dominant ARGs (macB, bacA, vanRA, bcrA) were similar in different reservoirs. Meanwhile, the distribution of ARGs was influenced by the presence of biotic factors such as metal resistant genes (MRGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), as well as abiotic factors such as dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH. Remarkably, ARGs (vanR, rosB, MexT) co-occurred with plasmids and virulence factor genes (VFGs), which can lead to the emergence and spread of highly virulent and antibiotic resistant bacteria in microbial communities. Overall, this study helps administrators to better understand the complex patterns of ARGs in backwater zones of large cascade reservoirs and provides a proper procedure for detecting the presence of high-risk of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China.
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17
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Gomez-Alvarez V, Ryu H, Tang M, McNeely M, Muhlen C, Urbanic M, Williams D, Lytle D, Boczek L. Assessing residential activity in a home plumbing system simulator: monitoring the occurrence and relationship of major opportunistic pathogens and phagocytic amoebas. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1260460. [PMID: 37915853 PMCID: PMC10616306 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1260460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) have been detected in buildings' plumbing systems causing waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States. In this study, we monitored the occurrence of OPPPs along with free-living amoeba (FLA) and investigated the effects of residential activities in a simulated home plumbing system (HPS). Water samples were collected from various locations in the HPS and analyzed for three major OPPPs: Legionella pneumophila, nontuberculous mycobacterial species (e.g., Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. abscessus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa along with two groups of amoebas (Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba vermiformis). A metagenomic approach was also used to further characterize the microbial communities. Results show that the microbial community is highly diverse with evidence of spatial and temporal structuring influenced by environmental conditions. L. pneumophila was the most prevalent pathogen (86% of samples), followed by M. intracellulare (66%) and P. aeruginosa (21%). Interestingly, M. avium and M. abscessus were not detected in any samples. The data revealed a relatively low prevalence of Acanthamoeba spp. (4%), while V. vermiformis was widely detected (81%) across all the sampling locations within the HPS. Locations with a high concentration of L. pneumophila and M. intracellulare coincided with the highest detection of V. vermiformis, suggesting the potential growth of both populations within FLA and additional protection in drinking water. After a period of stagnation lasting at least 2-weeks, the concentrations of OPPPs and amoeba immediately increased and then decreased gradually back to the baseline. Furthermore, monitoring the microbial population after drainage of the hot water tank and partial drainage of the entire HPS demonstrated no significant mitigation of the selected OPPPs. This study demonstrates that these organisms can adjust to their environment during such events and may survive in biofilms and/or grow within FLA, protecting them from stressors in the supplied water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Gomez-Alvarez
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Hodon Ryu
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Min Tang
- Oak Ridge for Science and Education Research Fellow at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Morgan McNeely
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Christy Muhlen
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Megan Urbanic
- Oak Ridge for Science and Education Research Fellow at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Daniel Williams
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Darren Lytle
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Laura Boczek
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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18
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Liang J, Cameron G, Faucher SP. Development of heat-shock resistance in Legionella pneumophila modeled by experimental evolution. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0066623. [PMID: 37668382 PMCID: PMC10537758 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00666-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Because it can grow in buildings with complex hot water distribution systems (HWDS), healthcare facilities recognize the waterborne bacterium Legionella pneumophila as a major nosocomial infection threat and often try to clear the systems with a pasteurization process known as superheat-and-flush. After this treatment, many facilities find that the contaminating populations slowly recover, suggesting the possibility of in situ evolution favoring increased survival in high-temperature conditions. To mimic this process in a controlled environment, an adaptive laboratory evolution model was used to select a wild-type strain of L. pneumophila for survival to transient exposures to temperatures characteristic of routine hot water use or failed pasteurization processes in HWDS. Over their evolution, these populations became insensitive to exposure to 55°C and developed the ability to survive short exposures to 59°C heat shock. Heat-adapted lineages maintained a higher expression of heat-shock genes during low-temperature incubation in freshwater, suggesting a pre-adaptation to heat stress. Although there were distinct mutation profiles in each of the heat-adapted lineages, each acquired multiple mutations in the DnaJ/DnaK/ClpB disaggregase complex, as well as mutations in chaperone htpG and protease clpX. These mutations were specific to heat-shock survival and were not seen in control lineages included in the experimental model without exposure to heat shock. This study supports in situ observations of adaptation to heat stress and demonstrates the potential of L. pneumophila to develop resistance to control measures. IMPORTANCE As a bacterium that thrives in warm water ecosystems, Legionella pneumophila is a key factor motivating regulations on hot water systems. Two major measures to control Legionella are high circulating temperatures intended to curtail growth and the use of superheat-and-flush pasteurization processes to eliminate established populations. Facilities often suffer recolonization of their hot water systems; hospitals are particularly at risk due to the severe nosocomial pneumoniae caused by Legionella. To understand these long-term survivors, we have used an adaptive laboratory evolution model to replicate this process. We find major differences between the mutational profiles of heat-adapted and heat-naïve L. pneumophila populations including mutations in major heat-shock genes like chaperones and proteases. This model demonstrates that well-validated treatment protocols are needed to clear contaminated systems and-in an analog to antibiotic resistance-the importance of complete eradication of the resident population to prevent selection for more persistent bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Liang
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | - Gillian Cameron
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien P. Faucher
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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Fischer FB, Saucy A, Vienneau D, Hattendorf J, Fanderl J, de Hoogh K, Mäusezahl D. Impacts of weather and air pollution on Legionnaires' disease in Switzerland: A national case-crossover study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116327. [PMID: 37354934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of reported cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD) has risen markedly in Switzerland (6.5/100,000 inhabitants in 2021) and abroad over the last decade. Legionella, the causative agent of LD, are ubiquitous in the environment. Therefore, environmental changes can affect the incidence of LD, for example by increasing bacterial concentrations in the environment or by facilitating transmission. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to understand the environmental determinants, in particular weather conditions, for the regional and seasonal distribution of LD in Switzerland. METHODS We conducted a series of analyses based on the Swiss LD notification data from 2017 to 2021. First, we used a descriptive and hotspot analysis to map LD cases and identify regional clusters. Second, we applied an ecological model to identify environmental determinants on case frequency at the district level. Third, we applied a case-crossover design using distributed lag non-linear models to identify short-term associations between seven weather variables and LD occurrence. Lastly, we performed a sensitivity analysis for the case-crossover design including NO2 levels available for the year 2019. RESULTS Canton Ticino in southern Switzerland was identified as a hotspot in the cluster analysis, with a standardised notification rate of 14.3 cases/100,000 inhabitants (CI: 12.6, 16.0). The strongest association with LD frequency in the ecological model was found for large-scale factors such as weather and air pollution. The case-crossover study confirmed the strong association of elevated daily mean temperature (OR 2.83; CI: 1.70, 4.70) and mean daily vapour pressure (OR: 1.52, CI: 1.15, 2.01) 6-14 days before LD occurrence. DISCUSSION Our analyses showed an influence of weather with a specific temporal pattern before the onset of LD, which may provide insights into the effect mechanism. The relationship between air pollution and LD and the interplay with weather should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne B Fischer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Apolline Saucy
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Danielle Vienneau
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Fanderl
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Mäusezahl
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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20
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Park SY, Chang EJ, Ledeboer N, Messacar K, Lindner MS, Venkatasubrahmanyam S, Wilber JC, Vaughn ML, Bercovici S, Perkins BA, Nolte FS. Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Sequencing from over 15,000 Patients Identified a Broad Spectrum of Pathogens. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0185522. [PMID: 37439686 PMCID: PMC10446866 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01855-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing is an emerging infectious disease diagnostic tool which enables unbiased pathogen detection and quantification from plasma. The Karius Test, a commercial mcfDNA sequencing assay developed by and available since 2017 from Karius, Inc. (Redwood City, CA), detects and quantifies mcfDNA as molecules/μL in plasma. The commercial sample data and results for all tests conducted from April 2018 through mid-September 2021 were evaluated for laboratory quality metrics, reported pathogens, and data from test requisition forms. A total of 18,690 reports were generated from 15,165 patients in a hospital setting among 39 states and the District of Columbia. The median time from sample receipt to reported result was 26 h (interquartile range [IQR] 25 to 28), and 96% of samples had valid test results. Almost two-thirds (65%) of patients were adults, and 29% at the time of diagnostic testing had ICD-10 codes representing a diverse array of clinical scenarios. There were 10,752 (58%) reports that yielded at least one taxon for a total of 22,792 detections spanning 701 unique microbial taxa. The 50 most common taxa detected included 36 bacteria, 9 viruses, and 5 fungi. Opportunistic fungi (374 Aspergillus spp., 258 Pneumocystis jirovecii, 196 Mucorales, and 33 dematiaceous fungi) comprised 861 (4%) of all detections. Additional diagnostically challenging pathogens (247 zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens, 144 Mycobacterium spp., 80 Legionella spp., 78 systemic dimorphic fungi, 69 Nocardia spp., and 57 protozoan parasites) comprised 675 (3%) of all detections. This is the largest reported cohort of patients tested using plasma mcfDNA sequencing and represents the first report of a clinical grade metagenomic test performed at scale. Data reveal new insights into the breadth and complexity of potential pathogens identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin Messacar
- University of Colorado, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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21
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Farina C, Cacciabue E, Averara F, Ferri N, Vailati F, Del Castillo G, Serafini A, Fermi B, Doniselli N, Pezzoli F. Water Safety Plan, Monochloramine Disinfection and Extensive Environmental Sampling Effectively Control Legionella and Other Waterborne Pathogens in Nosocomial Settings: The Ten-Year Experience of an Italian Hospital. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1794. [PMID: 37512966 PMCID: PMC10384652 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella contamination control is crucial in healthcare settings where patients suffer an increased risk of disease and fatal outcome. To ensure an effective management of this health hazard, the accurate application of a hospital-specific Water Safety Plan (WSP), the choice of a suitable water disinfection system and an extensive monitoring program are required. Here, the ten-year experience of an Italian hospital is reported: since its commissioning, Legionellosis risk management has been entrusted to a multi-disciplinary Working Group, applying the principles of the World Health Organization's WSP. The disinfection strategy to prevent Legionella and other waterborne pathogens relies on the treatment of domestic hot water with a system ensuring the in situ production and dosage of monochloramine. An average of 250 samples/year were collected and analyzed to allow an accurate assessment of the microbiological status of water network. With the aim of increasing the monitoring sensitivity, in addition to the standard culture method, an optimized MALDI-ToF MS-based strategy was applied, allowing the identification of Legionella species and other relevant opportunistic pathogens. Data collected so far confirmed the effectiveness of this multidisciplinary approach: the fraction of positive samples never overcame 1% on a yearly basis and Legionnaires' Disease cases never occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Farina
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cacciabue
- Health Care Coordination Offices, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Franca Averara
- Department of Health Care Professions, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Nadia Ferri
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Francesca Vailati
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | | | | | - Beatrice Fermi
- Sanipur S.p.A., 25020 Flero, Italy
- ESCMID Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Doniselli
- Sanipur S.p.A., 25020 Flero, Italy
- ESCMID Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Pezzoli
- Health Care Coordination Offices, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", 24127 Bergamo, Italy
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22
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Gea-Izquierdo E, Gil-Prieto R, Hernández-Barrera V, Rodríguez-Caravaca G, Gil-de-Miguel Á. Legionellosis-Associated Hospitalization in Spain from 2002 to 2021. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1693. [PMID: 37512866 PMCID: PMC10385138 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionellosis is a respiratory disease of bacterial and environmental origin that usually presents two distinct clinical entities, "Legionnaires' disease" (LD) and "Pontiac fever". LD is an important cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiology of legionellosis-associated hospitalization (L-AH) in Spain from 2002 to 2021 and the burden of hospitalization due to legionellosis. Discharge reports from the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) were used to retrospectively analyze hospital discharge data with a diagnosis of legionellosis, based on the ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, from 2002 to 2021. 21,300 L-AH occurred throughout the year during 2002-2021. The incidence of hospitalization associated per 100,000 inhabitants by month showed a similar trend for the 2002-2011, 2012-2021, and 2002-2021 periods. In Spain, during 2002-2021, the hospitalization rate (HR) in the autonomous communities ranged from 4.57 (2002-2011) to 0.24 (2012-2021) cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The HR of legionellosis in Spain has substantially increased across the 2002-2021 period, and the estimate is consistent with available European data. It is considered that in-depth epidemiological surveillance studies of legionellosis and improvements in the prevention and control of the disease are required in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gea-Izquierdo
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- María Zambrano Program, European Union, Spain
| | - Ruth Gil-Prieto
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gil Rodríguez-Caravaca
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Gil-de-Miguel
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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23
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Ma H, Bavishi A, Jain B. Legionella associated rhabdomyolysis: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:258. [PMID: 37344851 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04000-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections have been recognized as an uncommon cause of rhabdomyolysis, with evidence indicating a worse prognosis when compared to rhabdomyolysis caused by other etiologies. Diseases caused by Legionella pneumophila can present variably, ranging from mild to severe illness, as is sometimes the case with pneumonia. In particular, the triad of Legionnaire's disease, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury is associated with a significant increase in the morbidity and mortality, with most patients requiring initiation of renal replacement therapy such as hemodialysis. While the exact mechanism of both the muscle and kidney injury in this setting remains unknown, several hypotheses exist, with some research suggesting multiple yet distinct processes occurring in both target organs. CASE PRESENTATION In this case report, we describe a 53-year-old African American man who presented with Legionella pneumophila pneumonia complicated by rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. He was treated with aggressive fluid resuscitation and a 2-week course of azithromycin. His clinical status improved without necessitating renal replacement therapy or mechanical ventilation. We postulate that early recognition and treatment were key to his recovery. He was discharged 10 days later without recurrence of rhabdomyolysis at the time of this report. CONCLUSION While there are several well-established and more common causes of rhabdomyolysis, clinicians should recognize Legionella sp. as an etiology, given its association with significant morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ma
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 420 E. Superior St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Avni Bavishi
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Bijal Jain
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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24
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Casino P, López A, Peiró S, Rios S, Porta A, Agustí G, Terlevich D, Asensio D, Marqués AM, Piqué N. Polyethersulfone (PES) Filters Improve the Recovery of Legionella spp. and Enhance Selectivity against Interfering Microorganisms in Water Samples. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2670. [PMID: 37376316 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the analysis of water samples, the type of filtration membrane material can influence the recovery of Legionella species, although this issue has been poorly investigated. Filtration membranes (0.45 µm) from different materials and manufacturers (numbered as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) were compared: mixed cellulose esters (MCEs), nitrocellulose (NC), and polyethersulfone (PES). After membrane filtration of samples, filters were placed directly onto GVPC agar and incubated at 36 ± 2 °C. The highest mean counts of colony-forming units and colony sizes for Legionella pneumophila and Legionella anisa were obtained with PES filters (p < 0.001). All membranes placed on GVPC agar totally inhibited Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19443 and ATCC 29212, whereas only the PES filter from manufacturer 3 (3-PES) totally inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PES membrane performance also differed according to the manufacturer, with 3-PES providing the best productivity and selectivity. In real water samples, 3-PES also produced a higher Legionella recovery and better inhibition of interfering microorganisms. These results support the use of PES membranes in methods where the filter is placed directly on the culture media and not only in procedures where membrane filtration is followed by a washing step (according to ISO 11731:2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Casino
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Asunción López
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sara Peiró
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Santiago Rios
- Department of Statistics, Biology Faculty, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 643, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Aldous Porta
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Agustí
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniela Terlevich
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Daniel Asensio
- Department of Quality Control, Reactivos para Diagnóstico, S.L. (RPD), Josep Tura, 9H, Polígon Industrial Mas d'en Cisa, Sentmenat, 08181 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ana María Marqués
- Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Núria Piqué
- Microbiology Section, Department of Biology, Healthcare and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària de la UB (INSA-UB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08921 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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25
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He SH, Li S, Weng L. False-positive Legionella pneumophila antibodies in COVID-19 patients. Intensive Care Med Exp 2023; 11:29. [PMID: 37231291 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-023-00512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hua He
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Li
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Weng
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Du R, Feng Y, Wang Y, Huang J, Tao Y, Mao H. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing confirms the diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury in a limited resource area: a case report and review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1145733. [PMID: 37228720 PMCID: PMC10205016 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1145733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Legionella pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury are called the Legionella triad, which is rare and associated with a poor outcome and even death. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for these patients. Case presentation A 63-year-old man with cough, fever, and fatigue was initially misdiagnosed with common bacterial infection and given beta-lactam monotherapy but failed to respond to it. Conventional methods, including the first Legionella antibody test, sputum smear, and culture of sputum, blood, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were negative. He was ultimately diagnosed with a severe infection of Legionella pneumophila by metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS). This patient, who had multisystem involvement and manifested with the rare triad of Legionella pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury, finally improved after combined treatment with moxifloxacin, continuous renal replacement therapy, and liver protection therapy. Conclusion Our results showed the necessity of early diagnosis of pathogens in severe patients, especially in Legionnaires' disease, who manifested with the triad of Legionella pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury. mNGS may be a useful tool for Legionnaires' disease in limited resource areas where urine antigen tests are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Du
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinhe Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Deyang People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu College of Medicine, Deyang, China
| | - Yubin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jifeng Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhan Tao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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27
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Frostadottir D, Wasserstrom L, Lundén K, Dahlin LB. Legionella longbeachae wound infection: case report and review of reported Legionella wound infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1178130. [PMID: 37180442 PMCID: PMC10169826 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1178130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Extrapulmonary manifestations of infection with Legionella species, of which 24 may cause disease in humans, are very rare. Here, we describe a case of a 61-year-old woman with no history of immunosuppression presenting with pain and swelling of her index finger after a prick by rose thorns during gardening. Clinical examination showed fusiform swelling of the finger with mild redness, warmth, and fever. The blood sample revealed a normal white blood cell count and a slight increase in C-reactive protein. Intraoperative observation showed extensive infectious destruction of the tendon sheath, while the flexor tendons were spared. Conventional cultures were negative, while 16S rRNA PCR analysis identified Legionella longbeachae that also could be isolated on buffered charcoal yeast extract media. The patient was treated with oral levofloxacin for 13 days, and the infection healed quickly. The present case report, with a review of the literature, indicates that Legionella species wound infections may be underdiagnosed due to the requirement for specific media and diagnostic methods. It emphasizes the need for heightened awareness of these infections during history taking and clinical examination of patients presenting with cutaneous infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drifa Frostadottir
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wasserstrom
- Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine Skåne, Lund, Sweden
- ESCMID Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karolin Lundén
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars B. Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine – Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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28
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Kumar D, Vanani NB, Dobbs J, Jha P. Legionella-Induced Hepatitis: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e37497. [PMID: 37187646 PMCID: PMC10181810 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionnaires' disease is caused by a potentially life-threatening infection with the opportunistic Gram-negative bacilli species Legionella pneumophila, which is transmitted via inhalation or aspiration of water droplets. Legionnaires' commonly presents as atypical community-acquired pneumonia with accompanying diarrhea. Although hepatic and renal involvement are relatively uncommon, in this report, we present a case of Legionella pneumonia with acute hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devesh Kumar
- Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, USA
| | | | - Jared Dobbs
- Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, USA
| | - Pinky Jha
- Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, USA
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29
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Zhang S, Zheng R, Pan Y, Sun H. Potential Therapeutic Value of the STING Inhibitors. Molecules 2023; 28:3127. [PMID: 37049889 PMCID: PMC10096477 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a critical protein in the activation of the immune system in response to DNA. It can participate the inflammatory response process by modulating the inflammation-preferred translation program through the STING-PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-eIF2α pathway or by inducing the secretion of type I interferons (IFNs) and a variety of proinflammatory factors through the recruitment of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) or the regulation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. Based on the structure, location, function, genotype, and regulatory mechanism of STING, this review summarizes the potential value of STING inhibitors in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangran Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Runan Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yanhong Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hongbin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
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30
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Legionella pneumophila and Free-Living Nematodes: Environmental Co-Occurrence and Trophic Link. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030738. [PMID: 36985310 PMCID: PMC10056204 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-living nematodes harbor and disseminate various soil-borne bacterial pathogens. Whether they function as vectors or environmental reservoirs for the aquatic L. pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, is unknown. A survey screening of biofilms of natural (swimming lakes) and technical (cooling towers) water habitats in Germany revealed that nematodes can act as potential reservoirs, vectors or grazers of L. pneumophila in cooling towers. Consequently, the nematode species Plectus similis and L. pneumophila were isolated from the same cooling tower biofilm and taken into a monoxenic culture. Using pharyngeal pumping assays, potential feeding relationships between P. similis and different L. pneumophila strains and mutants were examined and compared with Plectus sp., a species isolated from a L. pneumophila-positive thermal source biofilm. The assays showed that bacterial suspensions and supernatants of the L. pneumophila cooling tower isolate KV02 decreased pumping rate and feeding activity in nematodes. However, assays investigating the hypothesized negative impact of Legionella’s major secretory protein ProA on pumping rate revealed opposite effects on nematodes, which points to a species-specific response to ProA. To extend the food chain by a further trophic level, Acanthamoebae castellanii infected with L. pneumphila KV02 were offered to nematodes. The pumping rates of P. similis increased when fed with L. pneumophila-infected A. castellanii, while Plectus sp. pumping rates were similar when fed either infected or non-infected A. castellanii. This study revealed that cooling towers are the main water bodies where L. pneumophila and free-living nematodes coexist and is the first step in elucidating the trophic links between coexisting taxa from that habitat. Investigating the Legionella–nematode–amoebae interactions underlined the importance of amoebae as reservoirs and transmission vehicles of the pathogen for nematode predators.
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Gea-Izquierdo E, Gil-de-Miguel Á, Rodríguez-Caravaca G. Legionella pneumophila Risk from Air–Water Cooling Units Regarding Pipe Material and Type of Water. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030638. [PMID: 36985212 PMCID: PMC10053303 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionellosis is a respiratory disease related to environmental health. There have been manifold studies of pipe materials, risk installations and legionellosis without considering the type of transferred water. The objective of this study was to determine the potential development of the causative agent Legionella pneumophila regarding air–water cooling units, legislative compliance, pipe material and type of water. Forty-four hotel units in Andalusia (Spain) were analysed with respect to compliance with Spanish health legislation for the prevention of legionellosis. The chi-square test was used to explain the relationship between material–water and legislative compliance, and a biplot of the first two factors was generated. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was performed on the type of equipment, legislative compliance, pipe material and type of water, and graphs of cases were constructed by adding confidence ellipses by categories of the variables. Pipe material–type of water (p value = 0.29; p < 0.05) and legislative compliance were not associated (p value = 0.15; p < 0.05). Iron, stainless steel, and recycled and well water contributed the most to the biplot. MCA showed a global pattern in which lead, iron and polyethylene were well represented. Confidence ellipses around categories indicated significant differences among categories. Compliance with Spanish health legislation regarding the prevention and control of legionellosis linked to pipe material and type of water was not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gea-Izquierdo
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Maria Zambrano Program, European Union, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Ángel Gil-de-Miguel
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gil Rodríguez-Caravaca
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
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Mentula S, Kääriäinen S, Jaakola S, Niittynen M, Airaksinen P, Koivula I, Lehtola M, Mauranen E, Mononen I, Savolainen R, Haatainen S, Lyytikäinen O. Tap water as the source of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak spread to several residential buildings and one hospital, Finland, 2020 to 2021. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200673. [PMID: 36927717 PMCID: PMC10021472 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.11.2200673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In Finland, all microbiology laboratories notify Legionella findings and physicians notify Legionnaires' disease (LD) cases to the National Infectious Disease Register. All cases are interviewed, and water samples obtained from potential places of exposure. Legionella isolates from humans and water are compared by whole genome sequencing (WGS). In March 2021, Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp 1) pneumonia cases increased in one Finnish city (120,000 inhabitants) where single LD cases are detected annually. We identified 12 LD cases, nine living in different residential buildings and three nosocomial, linked by identical human and/or water isolates. Three of these cases were from January 2020, October 2020 and February 2021 and identified retrospectively. Eleven were diagnosed by urinary antigen test, 10 by PCR and five by culture; age ranged between 52 and 85 years, and 10 had underlying diseases. Nine of 12 homes of LD cases and 15 of 26 water samples from the hospital were positive for Lp 1, with concentrations up to 640,000 cfu/L. Water samples from regional storage tanks were negative. Positivity in homes and the hospital suggested inadequate maintenance measures. Enhanced surveillance combined with WGS was crucial in detecting this unusual LD outbreak related to domestic and hospital water systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silja Mentula
- Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sohvi Kääriäinen
- Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,ECDC Fellowship Programme, Field Epidemiology path (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Sari Jaakola
- Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marjo Niittynen
- Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Piia Airaksinen
- Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Outi Lyytikäinen
- Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
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Valciņa O, Pūle D, Ķibilds J, Lazdāne A, Trofimova J, Makarova S, Konvisers G, Ķimse L, Krūmiņa A, Bērziņš A. Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Legionella spp. in Hotel Water-Supply Systems in Latvia. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030596. [PMID: 36985170 PMCID: PMC10055240 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella is one of the most important waterborne pathogens that can lead to both outbreaks and sporadic cases. The majority of travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease (TALD) cases are contracted during hotel stays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Legionella spp. in hotel water supply systems in Latvia. In total, 834 hot water samples were collected from the water systems of 80 hotels in Latvia. At least one Legionella spp. positive sample was detected in 47 out of 80 hotels (58.8%). Overall, 235 out of 834 samples (28.2%) were Legionella spp. positive. The average hot water temperature in Latvian hotels was 49.8 °C. The most predominant L. pneumophila serogroup (SG) was SG3 which was found in 113 (49.8%) positive samples from 27 hotels. For 79 sequenced L. pneumophila isolates, 21 different sequence types (ST) were obtained, including 3 new types—ST2582, ST2579, and ST2580. High Legionella contamination and high genetic diversity were found in the hotel water supply systems in Latvia, which, together with the insufficient hot water temperature, may indicate that the lack of regulation and control measures may promote the proliferation of Legionella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Valciņa
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, 1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Daina Pūle
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, 1076 Rīga, Latvia
- Department of Water Engineering and Technology, Riga Technical University, 1048 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Juris Ķibilds
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, 1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Andžela Lazdāne
- Department of Metabolic Genetics Laboratory, Children’s Clinical University Hospital, 1004 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Jūlija Trofimova
- National Reference Laboratory, Riga East University Hospital, 1038 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Svetlana Makarova
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, 1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Genadijs Konvisers
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, 1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Laima Ķimse
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, 1076 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Angelika Krūmiņa
- Department of Infectology, Riga Stradiņš University, 1007 Rīga, Latvia
| | - Aivars Bērziņš
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, 1076 Rīga, Latvia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +371-6780-8972
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Lupia T, Corcione S, Shbaklo N, Rizzello B, De Benedetto I, Concialdi E, Navazio AS, Penna M, Brusa MT, De Rosa FG. Legionella pneumophila Infections during a 7-Year Retrospective Analysis (2016-2022): Epidemiological, Clinical Features and Outcomes in Patients with Legionnaires' Disease. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020498. [PMID: 36838463 PMCID: PMC9965988 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila (LP) is one of the main causative agents of community-acquired pneumonia in Europe and its fifth bacterial cause in Italy (4.9%). We conducted a seven year retrospective analysis of LP infection serogroup 1 in Asti, Piedmont, between 2016 and 2022. Patients were included if they tested positive for the Legionella urinary antigen. Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data were analyzed to describe the risk factors for mortality. Fifty patients with LD were collected, mainly male, with a median age of 69 years. The main comorbidities were cardiovascular diseases (50%), pulmonary diseases (26%), and neurological diseases (12%). The most common clinical presentations were fever, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurologic symptoms. Older age (p = 0.004), underlying cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.009), late diagnosis at admission (p = 0.035), and neurological symptoms at diagnosis (p = 0.046) were more common in the non-survivor group. Moreover, a septic-shock presentation or the need for non-invasive ventilation at admission were associated with a higher mortality. No considerable differences in the biochemical data were found between the two groups except for the median neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and PCT value. We did not find any differences in mortality related to the choice of antibiotic regimen. Differences in outcome were associated with the median duration of treatment (p =< 0.001) but not to the choice of antibiotic regimen (mainly levofloxacin or azithromycin). In conclusion, early individuation of the wide spectrum of clinical characteristics of LP infection such as respiratory, cardiac, and neurological manifestations of the patient's comorbidities, and significant biochemical data should help clinicians flag high risk patients and potentially improve their outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | - Silvia Corcione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0141-489974
| | - Nour Shbaklo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Rizzello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria De Benedetto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Erika Concialdi
- Microbiology Unit, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Penna
- Microbiology Unit, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Klatt AB, Diersing C, Lippmann J, Mayer-Lambertz S, Stegmann F, Fischer S, Caesar S, Fiocca Vernengo F, Hönzke K, Hocke AC, Ruland J, Witzenrath M, Lepenies B, Opitz B. CLEC12A Binds to Legionella pneumophila but Has No Impact on the Host's Antibacterial Response. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043891. [PMID: 36835297 PMCID: PMC9967056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen that can cause severe pneumonia after the inhalation of contaminated aerosols and replication in alveolar macrophages. Several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) have been identified that contribute to the recognition of L. pneumophila by the innate immune system. However, the function of the C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), which are mainly expressed by macrophages and other myeloid cells, remains largely unexplored. Here, we used a library of CLR-Fc fusion proteins to search for CLRs that can bind the bacterium and identified the specific binding of CLEC12A to L. pneumophila. Subsequent infection experiments in human and murine macrophages, however, did not provide evidence for a substantial role of CLEC12A in controlling innate immune responses to the bacterium. Consistently, antibacterial and inflammatory responses to Legionella lung infection were not significantly influenced by CLEC12A deficiency. Collectively, CLEC12A is able to bind to L. pneumophila-derived ligands but does not appear to play a major role in the innate defense against L. pneumophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Brit Klatt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Diersing
- Institute for Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Juliane Lippmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Vector Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Mayer-Lambertz
- Institute for Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Felix Stegmann
- Institute for Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Swantje Fischer
- Institute for Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sandra Caesar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Facundo Fiocca Vernengo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Hönzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus—Senftenberg, 03046 Cottbus, Germany
| | - Andreas C. Hocke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Ruland
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Lepenies
- Institute for Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (B.O.)
| | - Bastian Opitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (B.O.)
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Graham FF, Baker MG. Epidemiology and direct health care costs of hospitalised legionellosis in New Zealand, 2000-2020. Infect Dis Health 2023; 28:27-38. [PMID: 36038465 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legionellosis is a collective term used for disease caused by Legionella species which result in community and hospital acquired pneumonia worldwide. The aim of this analysis was to describe the epidemiology of legionellosis hospitalisations in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) over a 21-year period and quantify the health care costs. METHOD This study combined national legionellosis notification and hospital discharge data that were linked via the National Health Index (NHI) to provide a more complete dataset of hospitalised cases. The direct cost of hospital care was estimated by multiplying the diagnosis-related group cost-weight by the national price and inflating to 2020/2021 values. RESULTS There were 1479 records matched across notifications and discharge databases, including 990 with principal and 489 with additional diagnosis of legionellosis. Incidence rose to an average of 143 cases per annum for 2016-2020, a rate of 3·2/100,000. The median LOS was 6 days (IQR 4-13·5) with direct costs of $2·1 million per annum over that period. Rates were highest in those aged 65 years and above, male, and of European/Other ethnicity. Hospitalisations showed a peak in spring and summer. CONCLUSION The rate of hospitalised legionellosis in New Zealand rose from 2000 to 2015, largely reflecting improved diagnosis. This preventable disease results in substantial health care costs. Greater efforts are needed to identify and control sources of exposure. Surveillance could be improved by routine integration of notification and hospital discharge data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances F Graham
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis of Legionella Pneumonia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13020280. [PMID: 36673091 PMCID: PMC9858276 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumonia is a relatively rare but extremely progressive pulmonary infection with high mortality. Traditional cultural isolation remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia. However, its harsh culture conditions, long turnaround time, and suboptimal sensitivity do not meet the clinical need for rapid and accurate diagnosis, especially for critically ill patients. So far, pathogenic detection techniques including serological assays, urinary antigen tests, and mass spectrometry, as well as nucleic acid amplification technique, have been developed, and each has its own advantages and limitations. This review summarizes the clinical characteristics and imaging findings of Legionella pneumonia, then discusses the advances, advantages, and limitations of the various pathogenetic detection techniques used for Legionella pneumonia diagnosis. The aim is to provide rapid and accurate guiding options for early identification and diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia in clinical practice, further easing healthcare burden.
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Svetlicic E, Jaén-Luchoro D, Klobucar RS, Jers C, Kazazic S, Franjevic D, Klobucar G, Shelton BG, Mijakovic I. Genomic characterization and assessment of pathogenic potential of Legionella spp. isolates from environmental monitoring. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1091964. [PMID: 36713227 PMCID: PMC9879626 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1091964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Several species in the genus Legionella are known to cause an acute pneumonia when the aerosols containing the bacteria from man-made water systems are inhaled. The disease is usually caused by Legionella pneumophila, but other species have been implicated in the infection. The disease is frequently manifested as an outbreak, which means several people are affected when exposed to the common source of Legionella contamination. Therefor environmental surveillance which includes isolation and identification of Legionella is performed routinely. However, usually no molecular or genome-based methods are employed in further characterization of the isolates during routine environmental monitoring. During several years of such monitoring, isolates from different geographical locations were collected and 39 of them were sequenced by hybrid de novo approach utilizing short and long sequencing reads. In addition, the isolates were typed by standard culture and MALDI-TOF method. The sequencing reads were assembled and annotated to produce high-quality genomes. By employing discriminatory genome typing, four potential new species in the Legionella genus were identified, which are yet to be biochemically and morphologically characterized. Moreover, functional annotations concerning virulence and antimicrobial resistance were performed on the sequenced genomes. The study contributes to the knowledge on little-known non-pneumophila species present in man-made water systems and establishes support for future genetic relatedness studies as well as understanding of their pathogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Svetlicic
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Daniel Jaén-Luchoro
- Department of Infectious Diseases (Sahlgrenska Academy) at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Carsten Jers
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Snjezana Kazazic
- Laboratory for Mass Spectrometry and Functional Proteomics, Ruder Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Damjan Franjevic
- Division of Zoology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goran Klobucar
- Division of Zoology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Ivan Mijakovic
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark,Systems and Synthetic Biology Division, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Ivan Mijakovic,
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Yang JL, Li D, Zhan XY. Concept about the Virulence Factor of Legionella. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010074. [PMID: 36677366 PMCID: PMC9867486 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic species of Legionella can infect human alveolar macrophages through Legionella-containing aerosols to cause a disease called Legionellosis, which has two forms: a flu-like Pontiac fever and severe pneumonia named Legionnaires' disease (LD). Legionella is an opportunistic pathogen that frequently presents in aquatic environments as a biofilm or protozoa parasite. Long-term interaction and extensive co-evolution with various genera of amoebae render Legionellae pathogenic to infect humans and also generate virulence differentiation and heterogeneity. Conventionally, the proteins involved in initiating replication processes and human macrophage infections have been regarded as virulence factors and linked to pathogenicity. However, because some of the virulence factors are associated with the infection of protozoa and macrophages, it would be more accurate to classify them as survival factors rather than virulence factors. Given that the molecular basis of virulence variations among non-pathogenic, pathogenic, and highly pathogenic Legionella has not yet been elaborated from the perspective of virulence factors, a comprehensive explanation of how Legionella infects its natural hosts, protozoans, and accidental hosts, humans is essential to show a novel concept regarding the virulence factor of Legionella. In this review, we overviewed the pathogenic development of Legionella from protozoa, the function of conventional virulence factors in the infections of protozoa and macrophages, the host's innate immune system, and factors involved in regulating the host immune response, before discussing a probably new definition for the virulence factors of Legionella.
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40
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Decker BK, Forrester LA, Henderson DK. Management of Unique Pneumonias Seen in the Intensive Care Unit. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2022; 36:825-837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Tomaskovic I, Gonzalez A, Dikic I. Ubiquitin and Legionella: From bench to bedside. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 132:230-241. [PMID: 35177348 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, is one of the major causes of Legionnaires' disease, a specific type of atypical pneumonia. Despite intensive research efforts that elucidated many relevant structural, molecular and medical insights into Legionella's pathogenicity, Legionnaires' disease continues to present an ongoing public health concern. Legionella's virulence is based on its ability to simultaneously hijack multiple molecular pathways of the host cell to ensure its fast replication and dissemination. Legionella usurps the host ubiquitin system through multiple effector proteins, using the advantage of both conventional and unconventional (phosphoribosyl-linked) ubiquitination, thus providing optimal conditions for its replication. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of L. pneumophila from medical, biochemical and molecular perspectives. We describe the clinical disease presentation, its diagnostics and treatment, as well as host-pathogen interactions, with the emphasis on the ability of Legionella to target the host ubiquitin system upon infection. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary use of innovative technologies enables better insights into the pathogenesis of Legionnaires' disease and provides new opportunities for its treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Tomaskovic
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University School of Medicine, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alexis Gonzalez
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University School of Medicine, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University School of Medicine, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Riedberg Campus, Max-von-Laue Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Garin N, Marti C, Skali Lami A, Prendki V. Atypical Pathogens in Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Implications for Empiric Antibiotic Treatment: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122326. [PMID: 36557579 PMCID: PMC9783917 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical pathogens are intracellular bacteria causing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a significant minority of patients. Legionella spp., Chlamydia pneumoniae and psittaci, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Coxiella burnetii are commonly included in this category. M. pneumoniae is present in 5-8% of CAP, being the second most frequent pathogen after Streptococcus pneumoniae. Legionella pneumophila is found in 3-5% of inpatients. Chlamydia spp. and Coxiella burnetii are present in less than 1% of patients. Legionella longbeachae is relatively frequent in New Zealand and Australia and might also be present in other parts of the world. Uncertainty remains on the prevalence of atypical pathogens, due to limitations in diagnostic means and methodological issues in epidemiological studies. Despite differences between CAP caused by typical and atypical pathogens, the clinical presentation alone does not allow accurate discrimination. Hence, antibiotics active against atypical pathogens (macrolides, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones) should be included in the empiric antibiotic treatment of all patients with severe CAP. For patients with milder disease, evidence is lacking and recommendations differ between guidelines. Use of clinical prediction rules to identify patients most likely to be infected with atypical pathogens, and strategies of narrowing the antibiotic spectrum according to initial microbiologic investigations, should be the focus of future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Garin
- Division of Internal Medicine, Riviera Chablais Hospital, 1847 Rennaz, Switzerland
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-79-900-54-74
| | - Christophe Marti
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aicha Skali Lami
- Division of Internal Medicine, Riviera Chablais Hospital, 1847 Rennaz, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Prendki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Disease, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Internal Medicine for the Aged, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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43
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Kanarek P, Bogiel T, Breza-Boruta B. Legionellosis risk-an overview of Legionella spp. habitats in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:76532-76542. [PMID: 36161570 PMCID: PMC9511453 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22950-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An increase in the number of reports of legionellosis in the European Union and the European Economic Area have been recorded in recent years. The increase in cases is significant: from 6947 reports in 2015 to 11,298 in 2019. This is alarming as genus Legionella, which comprises a large group of bacteria inhabiting various aquatic systems, poses a serious threat to human health and life, since more than 20 species can cause legionellosis, with L. pneumophila being responsible for the majority of cases. The ability to colonize diverse ecosystems makes the eradication of these microorganisms difficult. A detailed understanding of the Legionella habitat may be helpful in the effective control of this pathogen. This paper provides an overview of Legionella environments in Europe: natural (lakes, groundwater, rivers, compost, soil) and anthropogenic (fountains, air humidifiers, water supply systems), and the role of Legionella spp. in nosocomial infections, which are potentially fatal for children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kanarek
- Department of Microbiology and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 6 Bernardyńska Street, 85-029, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bogiel
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 9 Skłodowska-Curie Street, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Barbara Breza-Boruta
- Department of Microbiology and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 6 Bernardyńska Street, 85-029, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
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Legionella pneumophila PPIase Mip Interacts with the Bacterial Proteins SspB, Lpc2061, and FlaA and Promotes Flagellation. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0027622. [PMID: 36314784 PMCID: PMC9670971 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00276-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptidyl-prolyl-
cis/trans
-isomerase (PPIase) macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) contributes to the pathogenicity and fitness of
L. pneumophila
, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease. Here, we identified the stringent starvation protein SspB, hypothetical protein Lpc2061, and flagellin FlaA as bacterial interaction partners of Mip.
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Barimani MJ. Legionella: An uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia. JAAPA 2022; 35:38-42. [PMID: 36165547 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000873792.00538.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Legionnaires disease is an important, relatively uncommon, yet well known form of atypical community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). If not appropriately treated in the early stage of infection, it can be fatal. Several factors increase the risk of contracting Legionnaires disease, including age over 50 years, chronic cardiovascular disease, underlying respiratory disease, chronic renal disease, diabetes, smoking, any immunosuppressing condition, travel history, and certain types of employment. Legionnaires disease can present without the usual symptoms associated with pneumonia. The incidence of Legionnaires disease is increasing, and because of its morbidity and mortality, clinicians should consider it in the differential when treating patients with CAP. This article reviews the pathophysiology and treatment of Legionnaires disease and when to refer patients to tertiary centers for higher levels of care, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Barimani
- Mark J. Barimani practices at Penn Medicine Kennett Family Practice in Kennett Square, Pa., and at AFC Urgent Care in Downingtown, Pa., and is a doctor of medical science candidate at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Ariz. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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46
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Khrais A, Smighelschi B, Zainab M. Legionella: Organizing Pneumonia vs Persistent Infection. Cureus 2022; 14:e29685. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Ortí-Lucas RM, Luciano E. New immunomagnetic separation method to analyze risk factors for Legionella colonization in health care centres. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:744-750. [PMID: 35264765 PMCID: PMC8906530 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00421-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It's pivotal to control the presence of legionella in sanitary structures. So, it's important to determine the risk factors associated with Legionella colonization in health care centres. In recent years that is why new diagnostic techniques have been developed. OBJECTIVE To evaluate risks factors for Legionella colonization using a novel and more sensitive Legionella positivity index. METHODS A total of 204 one-litre water samples (102 cold water samples and 102 hot water samples), were collected from 68 different sampling sites of the hospital water system and tested for Legionella spp. by two laboratories using culture, polymerase chain reaction and a method based on immunomagnetic separation (IMS). A Legionella positivity index was defined to evaluate Legionella colonization and associated risk factors in the 68 water samples sites. We performed bivariate analyses and then logistic regression analysis with adjustment of potentially confounding variables. We compared the performance of culture and IMS methods using this index as a new gold standard to determine if rapid IMS method is an acceptable alternative to the use of slower culture method. RESULTS Based on the new Legionella positivity index, no statistically significant differences were found neither between laboratories nor between methods (culture, IMS). Positivity was significantly correlated with ambulatory health assistance (p = 0.05) and frequency of use of the terminal points. The logistic regression model revealed that chlorine (p = 0.009) and the frequency of use of the terminal points (p = 0.001) are predictors of Legionella colonization. Regarding this index, the IMS method proved more sensitive (69%) than culture method (65.4%) in hot water samples. SIGNIFICANCE We showed that the frequency of use of terminal points should be considered when examining environmental Legionella colonization, which can be better evaluated using the provided Legionella positivity index. This study has implications for the prevention of Legionnaires' disease in hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Manuel Ortí-Lucas
- Research group on Public Health and Patient Safety, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Eugenio Luciano
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain.
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Rothberg MB, Imrey PB, Guo N, Deshpande A, Higgins TL, Lindenauer PK. A risk model to identify Legionella among patients admitted with community-acquired pneumonia: A retrospective cohort study. J Hosp Med 2022; 17:624-632. [PMID: 35880811 PMCID: PMC9531289 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend testing hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) for Legionella pneumophila only if the infection is severe or risk factors are present. There are no validated models for predicting Legionella. OBJECTIVE To derive and externally validate a model to predict a positive Legionella test. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Diagnostic study of adult inpatients with pneumonia using data from 177 US hospitals in the Premier Healthcare Database (training and hold-out validation sets) and 12 Cleveland Clinic Health System (CCHS) hospitals (external validation set). We used multiple logistic regression to predict positive Legionella tests in the training set, and evaluated performance in both validation sets. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES The outcome was a positive Legionella test. Potential predictors included demographics and co-morbidities, disease severity indicators, season, region, and presence of a local outbreak. RESULTS Of 166,689 patients hospitalized for pneumonia, 43,070 were tested for Legionella and 642 (1.5%) tested positive. The strongest predictors of a positive test were a local outbreak (odds ratio [OR], 3.4), June-October occurrence (OR, 3.4), hyponatremia (OR, 3.3), smoking (OR, 2.4), and diarrhea (OR, 2.0); prior admission within 6 months (OR, 0.27) and chronic pulmonary disease (OR, 0.49) were associated with a negative test. Model c-statistics were 0.79 in the Premier and 0.77 in the CCHS validation samples. High-risk patients were only slightly more likely to have been tested than lower-risk patients. Compared to actual practice, the model-based testing strategy detected twice as many cases. CONCLUSIONS Although Legionella is an uncommon cause of pneumonia, patient characteristics can identify individuals at high risk, allowing for more efficient testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B. Rothberg
- Center for Value‐Based Care Research, Community Care, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Peter B. Imrey
- Department of Quantitative Health SciencesCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
- Cleveland Clinic's Medical SchoolCleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Ning Guo
- Department of Quantitative Health SciencesCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Abhishek Deshpande
- Center for Value‐Based Care Research, Community Care, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Infectious DiseaseRespiratory InstituteClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Thomas L. Higgins
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Peter K. Lindenauer
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population ScienceUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
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Lynch VD, Shaman J. The effect of seasonal and extreme floods on hospitalizations for Legionnaires' disease in the United States, 2000-2011. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:550. [PMID: 35705915 PMCID: PMC9202215 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing severity of extreme storms and more intense seasonal flooding are projected consequences of climate change in the United States. In addition to the immediate destruction caused by storm surges and catastrophic flooding, these events may also increase the risk of infectious disease transmission. We aimed to determine the association between extreme and seasonal floods and hospitalizations for Legionnaires' disease in 25 US states during 2000-2011. METHODS We used a nonparametric bootstrap approach to examine the association between Legionnaires' disease hospitalizations and extreme floods, defined by multiple hydrometeorological variables. We also assessed the effect of extreme flooding associated with named cyclonic storms on hospitalizations in a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) framework. To quantify the effect of seasonal floods, we used multi-model inference to identify the most highly weighted flood-indicator variables and evaluated their effects on hospitalizations in a GLMM. RESULTS We found a 32% increase in monthly hospitalizations at sites that experienced cyclonic storms, compared to sites in months without storms. Hospitalizations in months with extreme precipitation were in the 89th percentile of the bootstrapped distribution of monthly hospitalizations. Soil moisture and precipitation were the most highly weighted variables identified by multi-model inference and were included in the final model. A 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in average monthly soil moisture was associated with a 49% increase in hospitalizations; in the same model, a 1-SD increase in precipitation was associated with a 26% increase in hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS This analysis is the first to examine the effects of flooding on hospitalizations for Legionnaires' disease in the United States using a range of flood-indicator variables and flood definitions. We found evidence that extreme and seasonal flooding is associated with increased hospitalizations; further research is required to mechanistically establish whether floodwaters contaminated with Legionella bacteria drive transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D Lynch
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Jeffrey Shaman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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Scaturro M, Girolamini L, Pascale MR, Mazzotta M, Marino F, Errico G, Monaco M, Girolamo A, Rota MC, Ricci ML, Cristino S. Case Report: First Report of Fatal Legionella pneumophila and Klebsiella pneumoniae Coinfection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:912649. [PMID: 35770012 PMCID: PMC9234666 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.912649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A very rare case of pulmonary Klebsiella pneumoniae-Legionella pneumophila coinfection in a double kidney transplanted man affected by the chronic renal disease is described. Cases of Legionnaires' disease with an incubation period of 14 days have rarely been documented. Despite the long period of hospitalization, typing of clinical and environmental L. pneumophila strains demonstrated that the patient's home water distribution system was the source of infection, highlighting that Legionella house contamination can be a hidden risk, especially for immune-compromised people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scaturro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luna Girolamini
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Pascale
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Mazzotta
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Marino
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Errico
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Monaco
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Girolamo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Rota
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Ricci
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Cristino
- European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Legionella Infections (ESGLI), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sandra Cristino
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