Legionella: a new millennium bug.
With the expanding elderly and immunocompromised populations and with creation of new ecological niches for the organism, the clinical laboratory scientist can expect to encounter Legionella in the twenty-first century. Inability to detect this pathogen with routine culture and staining techniques presents an ongoing problem. Clinical laboratory scientists need to consider implementation of special culture protocols and urinary antigen procedures. Prompt recognition of Legionella leads to the initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy. This is one area where clinical microbiology can directly affect patient outcome.
Adams
S L
SL
Anderson Area Medical Center, SC 29621, USA. Adamsfam@ix.netcom.com
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D003470:Culture Media; D006801:Humans; D007875:Legionella / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007876:Legionellosis / Q000209:etiology*; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000209:etiology*; D012698:Serologic Tests
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D003470:Culture Media