engleski

Infections caused by nonpneumophila species of Legionella

There are 52 recognized species of the genus Legionella of which 25 have been implicated in human disease. These organisms are prevalent within both natural and man-made aquatic environments in which they survive as parasites of protozoa. The vast majority of legionellosis is caused by the well studied opportunistic, intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila. However, other species of Legionella are capable of causing human disease, though primarily in immunocompromised people and not in large community outbreaks like those that can occur with L. pneumophila. L. longbeachae and L. micdadei account for the majority of nonpneumophila legionellosis with most other Legionella species associated with only a few reported cases. L. longbeachae is a unique Legionella species that dwells in soil and is particularly prevalent within specific geographical locations. Nonpneumophila species of Legionella can cause a wide range of infections not typically categorized as legionellosis and mixed infections of Legionella species can also occur. These clinical occurrences combined with diagnostic techniques that are specific for L. pneumophila, such as the urine antigen test, have led to the underdiagnosis of nonpneumophila legionellosis and therefore less effective therapies being administered. Little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms and intracellular lifestyle of nonpneumophila Legionella species and how this compares to L. pneumophila. Genome sequencing may provide a means for further understanding of these organisms and lead to more effective differential diagnosis of legionellosis.

legionellosis; Legionella; Legionella longbeachae; imunocompromised host

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