A cluster of Legionella-associated pneumonia cases in a population of military recruits

J Clin Microbiol. 2007 Jun;45(6):2075-7. doi: 10.1128/JCM.02359-06. Epub 2007 Apr 25.

Abstract

A Legionella cluster was identified through retrospective PCR analysis of 240 throat swab samples from X-ray-confirmed pneumonia cases. These were identified among young and otherwise healthy U.S. military recruits during population-based surveillance for pneumonia pathogens. Results were confirmed by sequence analysis. Cases clustered tightly, suggesting a local environmental etiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Humans
  • Legionella pneumophila / classification
  • Legionella pneumophila / genetics
  • Legionella pneumophila / isolation & purification*
  • Legionnaires' Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Legionnaires' Disease / epidemiology*
  • Legionnaires' Disease / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Pharynx / microbiology
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Population Surveillance
  • Radiography

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial