Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of legionellosis in Northern Australia, 2010-2021

Abstract

Objective: This study describes characteristics of the legionellosis cases occurring between 2010 and 2021 in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 53 cases of legionellosis during the defined period and documented patient and clinical characteristics, diagnostics, and seasonality of infection.

Results: All cases were sporadic. The incidence rate in the NT was higher than the Australian median rate (2.1 and 1.5 per 100,000 population per year respectively). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients presented at a younger age than did non-Indigenous patients (median 41 and 60 years of age respectively), and overall there was a male preponderance. There was a higher proportion of legionellosis in the months with increased humidity, with a greater number of L. longbeachae infections detected overall (59%) than of L. pneumophila (41%). The majority of cases were diagnosed serologically (57% of L. pneumophilia and 93% of L. longbeachae ).

Conclusions: Legionellosis in the NT is more common, seasonal, and may be underreported due to current reliance on serological testing for diagnosis. The higher incidence of legionellosis, and the younger age of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients of the NT, have public health implications, given that the clinical presentation of legionellosis is indistinguishable from other forms of pneumonia.

Keywords: Legionella; Northern Territory; legionellosis.