Evaluation of sensitivity of two serological tests for diagnosing pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1.
The sensitivity of an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and a rapid microagglutination test (RMAT) for the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 was evaluated using serum specimens from 119 patients with bacteriologically confirmed infections. The sensitivity of both assays was found to be about 80%. In addition, antibody titres suggestive of L pneumophila infection were found in 40% of patients in the first week after admission to hospital. These data show that both assays can be used with confidence in the early diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000372:Agglutination Tests; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007875:Legionella / Q000276:immunology; D007877:Legionnaires' Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial