Legionnaires’ disease is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia as well as hospital-acquired pneumonia. Legionella pneumophila is an important but uncommon respiratory pathogen with significant morbidity and mortality. Initially recognized as a fatal cause of pneumonia in the 1970s. Untreated Legionnaires’ disease conveys high mortality, therefore a prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics is of extreme importance. Currently, therapeutic options include macrolides and fluoroquinolones mainly, that have an effective therapeutic profile. Potential issues of bacterial resistance have risen, but overall, this is not a significant limitation of therapy. In addition, attempts to identify other cases related to the case will help find potential sources.
Part of the book: Hospital Acquired Infection and Legionnaires' Disease