Outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in immunosuppressed patients at a cancer centre: usefulness of universal urine antigen testing and early levofloxacin therapy

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2007 Nov;13(11):1125-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2007.01805.x. Epub 2007 Aug 17.

Abstract

This report describes an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in severely immunosuppressed patients hospitalised at a cancer centre. Universal urine antigen testing and early levofloxacin therapy appeared to lower case fatality rates in comparison with previous reports concerning this high-risk population. This diagnostic and therapeutic strategy should be considered when facing a nosocomial outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in immunosuppressed hosts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antigens, Bacterial / urine
  • Cancer Care Facilities
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy*
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / immunology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Legionnaires' Disease / drug therapy*
  • Legionnaires' Disease / epidemiology
  • Legionnaires' Disease / immunology*
  • Levofloxacin*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ofloxacin / therapeutic use*
  • Spain / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Levofloxacin
  • Ofloxacin