Dynamics of Legionella antibody levels during 1 year in a healthy population.
A total of 522 Danish blood donors were followed during 2004-2005 to describe the seroepidemiology of Legionella infections in healthy individuals from a general population. Antibodies to Legionella spp. were measured by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. The prevalence of Legionella antibodies (titre 1:128) was 26.8% and remained fairly constant during the year of follow-up. However, 6.9% of the blood donors developed a fourfold or greater rise in antibody titres. A history of visits to Danish summer cottages was associated with both Legionella seropositivity (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.02-2.30) and seroconversion (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.21-5.83). There were no consistent associations between either levels of antibody titres or seroconversion and self-reported health symptoms, absence from work due to illness, or to any risk factors. We conclude that community-acquired Legionella infections are frequent; however, they rarely result in severe illness.
Rudbeck
M
M
Department of Bacteriology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. rudbeck@dadlnet.dk
Mølbak
K
K
Uldum
S A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007875:Legionella / Q000276:immunology*; D007876:Legionellosis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial