[Community-acquired legionellosis in the Barcelona region between 1992 and 1999: epidemiological characteristics and diagnostic methods].
BACKGROUND
The epidemiological characteristics of community-acquired legionellosis are not well known. We present here legionellosis cases appearing in Barcelona, Spain, districts during 1992-1999.


METHODS
Questionnaire on socio-demographic, epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic data. 285 community-acquired cases of legionellosis were notified (67% of total). Incidence values increased from 0.03/100,000 in 1992 to 3.14 in 1999. Mostly used diagnostic method since 1996 was the urinary antigen test.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of legionellosis increased sharply during the studied period. We believe that use of urinary antigen-based diagnosis allows for a better knowledge of community-acquired legionellosis.
Alvarez
J
J
Delegación Territorial en Barcelona, Departament de Sanitat i Seguretat Social, Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain. jalvarez@dtb.scs.es
Oyaga
N
N
Escofet
A
A
Codony
F
F
Orcau
A
A
Maria Oliva
J
J
D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007876:Legionellosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013030:Spain