Legionella-Like and Other Amoebal Pathogens in Pneumonia
Author Information
Author(s): Thomas J. Marrie, Didier Raoult, Bernard La Scola, Richard J. Birtles, Emidio de Carolis, Canadian Community-Acquired Pneumonia Study Group
Primary Institution: University of Alberta
Hypothesis
Do Legionella-like amoebal pathogens (LLAPs) cause community-acquired pneumonia?
Conclusion
LLAPs infrequently play a role in community-acquired pneumonia, usually as co-pathogens.
Supporting Evidence
- LLAP 4 was the most common LLAP-causing pneumonia.
- Only one healthy Nova Scotian had serologic evidence of recent infection with an LLAP.
- Two of the 58 patients from the Nova Scotia site had infection with LLAP 4.
Takeaway
Some germs that live in amoebas can sometimes make people sick with pneumonia, but it's not very common.
Methodology
Serum specimens from three groups of pneumonia patients were tested for antibodies to various pathogens.
Limitations
Different populations were enrolled at different times, and only a subset of hospitalized patients was tested.
Participant Demographics
Patients with community-acquired pneumonia from Nova Scotia and other Canadian provinces.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.029
Statistical Significance
p<0.029
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