Seroprevalence of Legionella pneumophila in admitted patients with pneumonia in training hospitals, Ahvaz, Iran

ABSTRACT

To determine the seroprevalence of Legionella pneumophila [LP] in patients with pneumonia. During a 12-month study period, from December 2007 and November 2008 121 randomized selected patients admitted to the three training hospitals of Jundishapoor University of Medical Science in Ahvaz [a city southwest Iran] with pneumonia were investigated to determine the serprevalence of LP. The diagnosis of LP infection was based on positive serology. Sera were tested for L. pneumophila IgG and IgM by using Elisa kit [Vircell, Spain]. All analyses were done using the SPSS, version 16 statistical package. Of a total of 121 serum samples tested, 21 [17.3%] were positive for LP- IgG, IgM. Fifty percent of pneumonia patients in ICU were seropositive. Age, gender and area of residency did not significantly [p >0.05] affect the seroprevalence of LP. Overall, the prevalence of LP seropositivity was not significantly [p >0.05] affected by co-morbidities except diabetes melitus. Smoking and receiving antibiotic was observed in 86% and 100% seropositve patients. Legionella pneumophila is a prevalent infectious agent in the region of study and should be considered as potential invader patients with pneumonia especially in diabetic, smoker and ICU patients