Extrathoracic Localization ofLegionella pneumophilain Legionnaires’ Pneumonia
Open Access
- 1 December 1981
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in American Journal of Clinical Pathology
- Vol. 76 (6) , 813-815
- https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcp/76.6.813
Abstract
Extrathoracic organs of 12 fatal cases of Legionnaires’ disease from the 1977 Vermont epidemic were reviewed for the presence of Legionella pneumophila. The bacteria were identified by direct immunofluorescence microscopy of paraffin-embedded spleen, liver, lymph node, and kidney tissue. Extrathoracic bacteria were demonstrated in six of the 12 cases (3/7 spleens, 2/9 livers, and 2/10 kidneys). In the liver and spleen, the legionellae were associated with cells of the reticuloendothelial system. In the kidney, the bacteria were restricted to the interstitium and renal tubules. There were no acute inflammatory lesions in any of these organs. The distribution of bacteria in the extrathoracic viscera is compatible with dissemination through the blood stream.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Pyelonephritis Associated with Legionella pneumophila, Serogroup 4Annals of Internal Medicine, 1980
- Fatal Pneumonia Caused by Legionella pneumophila, Serogroup 3: Demonstration of the Bacilli in Extrathoracic OrgansAnnals of Internal Medicine, 1980
- Clinical Aspects of Legionnaires' DiseaseAnnals of Internal Medicine, 1979