Detection and quantification of Legionella pneumophila DNA in serum: case reports and review of the literature.
Legionella pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose. Existing laboratory tests all have shortcomings, especially the ability to diagnose all Legionella spp. at an early stage. Detection of Legionella DNA in serum can be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease (LD). This report describes two patients with LD diagnosed by PCR using serum samples. In addition, quantification of L. pneumophila DNA using real-time PCR during the course of illness was carried out. The results obtained mirrored both the clinical condition and C-reactive protein values during the course of the illness. Quantification of Legionella DNA in serum using real-time PCR could be a valuable tool to monitor the effects of antimicrobial therapy in patients with LD.
Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, St Elisabeth Hospital, PO Box 747, 5000 AS Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Bram M W
BMW
Diederen
Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, St Elisabeth Hospital, PO Box 747, 5000 AS Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Caroline M A
CMA
de Jong
Laboratory of Microbiology and Infection Control, Amphia Hospital, PO Box 90158, 4800 RK Breda, The Netherlands.
Jan A J W
JAJW
Kluytmans
Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, St Elisabeth Hospital, PO Box 747, 5000 AS Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Anneke
A
van der Zee
Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, St Elisabeth Hospital, PO Box 747, 5000 AS Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Marcel F
MF
Peeters
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D016952:Legionella pneumophila / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007877:Legionnaires' Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013223:Statistics as Topic
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D002097:C-Reactive Protein