Opportunistic Lung Infections in Renal Transplant Patients: A Comparison of Pittsburgh Pneumonia Agent and Legionnaires’ Disease

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Abstract
From July, 1977-Jan., 1980, 5 cases of pneumonia due to Pittsburgh pneumonia agent and 4 cases due to Legionella pneumophila occurred in a renal transplant population. Comparison of the clinical manifestations, laboratory features and radiographic changes demonstrated no unique characteristics that allowed differentiation from other bacterial pneumonias. Diagnosis in all cases required histologic or serologic identification of the infecting organism. A protocol for rapidly diagnosis of pneumonia in renal transplant patients, with emphasis on the use of open lung biopsy, was presented.