Legionella longbeachae infection in a persistent hand-wound after a gardening accident

JMM Case Rep. 2014 Dec 1;1(4):e004374. doi: 10.1099/jmmcr.0.004374. eCollection 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Unlike other Legionella species, Legionella longbeachae has been associated with soil and potting composts instead of water systems, and it has caused pneumonia in gardeners.

Case presentation: We report, to our knowledge, the first case of prolonged localized L. longbeachae infection in an accidental wound on the back of a hand caused by a broken flowerpot.

Conclusion: Identification of L. longbeachae requires awareness and expertise, since commercial tests are most often specific for L. pneumophila.

Keywords: Legionella; Legionella longbeachae; extra-pulmonary; soil; wound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports