Legionella Flashcards
1
Q
What is the organism in legionella pneumonia?
A
Legionella pneumophilia - intracellular bacterium
2
Q
What are the common features of legionella?
A
- flu-like symptoms including fever (present in > 95% of patients)
- dry cough + dyspnoea
- relative bradycardia
- pleural effusion: seen in around 30% of patients
Extra pulmonary symptoms:
- Anorexia, D&V
- confusion: hyponatraemia - renal failure + D&V
- lymphopaenia
- deranged liver function tests: hepatitis
3
Q
What might a chest x-ray show?
A
Often presents with bi-basal consolidation
4
Q
How is it formally diagnosed?
A
Urinary antigen test, may show haematuria
5
Q
How is it treated?
A
Fluoroquinolone e.g. Ciprofloxacin 2-3 weeks, or
Clarithromycin / Erythromycin
