The influence of antimicrobial therapy on the sensitivity of Legionella PCR.
The aim of our study was to establish the sensitivity of Legionella DNA detection in lower respiratory tract samples in 3 cases of Legionnaires' disease after initiation of specific antibiotic therapy. The results showed that Legionella amplicon intensity was highest in the sputum or bronchial aspirates collected at or before the start of appropriate therapy and decreased markedly within 3 days of therapy. PCR testing was negative within 4 to 6 days of therapy. These data suggest that within a few days specific antimicrobial therapy induces a significant drop of bacterial concentration in respiratory secretions reaching the detection limit of PCR assay. Respiratory samples for Legionella PCR should be obtained before or early after initiating antimicrobial therapy.
Korosec
Peter
P
University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Golnik, Slovenia. peter.korosec@klinika-golnik.si
Silar
Mira
M
Erzen
Renato
R
Kosnik
Mitja
M
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000652:urine; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D016952:Legionella pneumophila / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007877:Legionnaires' Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000187:drug effects*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M