scholarly journals Detection of Legionella pneumophila as the cause of atypical pneumonia in the water sources of the holy places of Makkah

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 429-432
Author(s):  
S. Ashgar Sami ◽  
M. Al-Said Hamdi
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Atypical Pneumonia ◽  
Holy Places

Subtyping ofLegionella pneumophilaisolates by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction

1995 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 846-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Ledesma ◽  
J. Llorca ◽  
M. A. Dasí ◽  
M. L. Camaró ◽  
E. Carbonell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Single Room ◽  
Legionnaires Disease ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Resort Hotel ◽  
Different Water Sources

Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) was used to differentiate strains of Legionella pneumophila isolated from different water sources in a resort hotel in Benidorm, Alicante, Spain, where an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease occurred among a group of tourists between 65 and 80 years of age. All isolates were L. pneumophila serogroup 1, subtype Pontiac (Knoxville 1). Five different patterns (P1 to P5) were obtained by AP-PCR. The number of bands per pattern varied between 4 and 11. Patterns P1 and P2 represented 60 and 20% of L. pneumophila isolates, respectively. Since different subpopulations of L. pneumophila coexisted (up to three different AP-PCR patterns were identified in a single room), it was not possible to link an individual L. pneumophila strain to the occurrence of this outbreak.Key words: Legionella pneumophila, AP-PCR, subtyping, outbreak.

scholarly journals Peptidyl-Prolyl-cis/trans-Isomerases Mip and PpiB ofLegionella pneumophilaContribute to Surface Translocation, Growth at Suboptimal Temperature, and Infection

2018 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Rasch ◽  
C. M. Ünal ◽  
A. Klages ◽  
Ü. Karsli ◽  
N. Heinsohn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Acanthamoeba Castellanii ◽  
Temperature Tolerance ◽  
Lung Damage ◽  
Atypical Pneumonia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Legionnaires Disease ◽  
Environmental Fitness ◽  
Sliding Motility

ABSTRACTThe gammaproteobacteriumLegionella pneumophilais the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, an atypical pneumonia that manifests itself with severe lung damage.L. pneumophila, a common inhabitant of freshwater environments, replicates in free-living amoebae and persists in biofilms in natural and man-made water systems. Its environmental versatility is reflected in its ability to survive and grow within a broad temperature range as well as its capability to colonize and infect a wide range of hosts, including protozoa and humans. Peptidyl-prolyl-cis/trans-isomerases (PPIases) are multifunctional proteins that are mainly involved in protein folding and secretion in bacteria. InL. pneumophilathe surface-associated PPIase Mip was shown to facilitate the establishment of the intracellular infection cycle in its early stages. The cytoplasmic PpiB was shown to promote cold tolerance. Here, we set out to analyze the interrelationship of these two relevant PPIases in the context of environmental fitness and infection. We demonstrate that the PPIases Mip and PpiB are important for surfactant-dependent sliding motility and adaptation to suboptimal temperatures, features that contribute to the environmental fitness ofL. pneumophila. Furthermore, they contribute to infection of the natural hostAcanthamoeba castellaniias well as human macrophages and human explanted lung tissue. These effects were additive in the case of sliding motility or synergistic in the case of temperature tolerance and infection, as assessed by the behavior of the double mutant. Accordingly, we propose that Mip and PpiB are virulence modulators ofL. pneumophilawith compensatory action and pleiotropic effects.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial activity of the volatile phase of essential oils and their constituents on Legionella pneumophila

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-61
Author(s):  
Lucia Bićanić ◽  
Silvestar Mežnarić ◽  
Ivana Gobin
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Volatile Components ◽  
Atypical Pneumonia ◽  
Pontiac Fever

Abstract Pathogenic bacteria of the genus Legionella cause atypical pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease and flu – like disease known as Pontiac fever. As pathogens of the respiratory system, these bacteria represent a public health problem and there is a need for examine new alternative ways to inactivate them. These bacteria live naturally in water and are transmitted by infectious aerosols. To purify the air, essential oils that show antimicrobial properties are widely used. The anti-Legionella activity of five exotic essential oils and five Mediterranean essential oils characteristic for coastal Croatia was examined. Model organism used in experiments was L. pneumophila (strain 130b). This experiment was conducting with modified version of sealed plate method using a BCYE medium. The exotic essential oil with highest anti-Legionella activity was Niaouli essential oil, and the best anti-Legionella activity among Mediterranean essential oils showed Immortelle essential oil. Anti- Legionella activity of four main chemical compounds was examined and compound that show significant highest anti-Legionella activity was α – pinene. Volatile components of essential oils have a great potential as anti-Legionella agents and further research are needed.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of IgM Antibody in Atypical Pneumonia Causing Pathogens by Pneumoslide, IFA

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Puneeta Singh ◽  
Shalabh Malik ◽  
Vandana Lal
Keyword(s):  
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Atypical Pneumonia ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Atypical Pathogens ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Background: Atypical bacterial and viral pathogens play an important role in atypical pneumonia are responsible for one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Objective: The purpose of this study to determine the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens causing acute atypical pneumonia in different age groups and seasonality patterns of prevalence in India. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 680 samples tested during December 2018 to August 2019, performed at Microbiology department of Dr. Lal Path Labs. Serum samples were used for Pneumoslide IgM test diagnose 9 Atypical bacterial & viral pathogens: Legionella pneumophila (LP), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Coxiella burnetti (COX), Chlamydophila pneumonia (CP) Adenovirus (ADV), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Influenza A (INFA), Influenza B (INFB), Parainfluenza serotypes 1,2 &3(PIVs). Results: Of a total 477(70.1%) samples were positive for atypical pneumonia pathogens. Atypical pneumonia was seen in extremes of age ie: <=5 years and >60 elderly adults without much of a gender bias. Co infections was seen in 62.1%. Legionella pneumophila (42.5%) was the dominant pathogen followed by Influenza B (41.7%) Mycoplasma pneumoniae (33.4%), Parainfluenza serotypes 1,2 &3 (29.4%) respectively. Atypical pneumonia has a spring predominance that is peaking in March. Conclusion: Among six predominant atypical pathogens, Legionella pneumophila and Influenza B was most predominant pathogens, as a causative agent of atypical pneumonia followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae seen mostly in young (0-5 years) comparison to all age groups. Hence, Pneumoslide IgM as a multi panel test needed to ensure initiation of targeted therapy. Pneumoslide IgM, by IFA is a rapid, cost effective easy to identify & classify atypical pneumonia causing pathogens.

scholarly journals Lab Diagnosis of Legionnaires’ Disease

JMS SKIMS ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-54
Author(s):  
Nayeem U-Din Wani ◽  
Aamir Ali
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Water System ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Causative Organism ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Contaminated Water ◽  
Atypical Pneumonia ◽  
Legionnaires Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a multi-system disease which causes atypical pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria, most commonly of the species Legionella pneumophila. About one out of every 10 people who get sick from Legionnaires’ disease will die. Most common source of infection-contaminated water supply through inhalation of contaminated water droplets (aerosols). A laboratory diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease can be made using a variety of laboratory tests including: culture/isolation of the causative organism, antigen detection in urine, a significant rise in antibody titres or PCR methods. Determination of the monoclonal subtype and molecular sequence typing can support linking between strains from the sampled environment and from patients. The control measures available to reduce the amount of Legionella in a water system include structural adaptations to the water system, temperature control, disinfection using chemicals or other oxidizing materials, and use of biocides or installation of filters. JMS 2014;17(2):50-54

Investigation of Virulence Genes and Biofilm Formation Among Legionella Pneumophila Isolated from Hospital Water Sources

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
shiva mirkalantari ◽  
Sara Hayatimehr ◽  
Noor Amirmozafari ◽  
Faramarz Masjedian
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Contamination Rate ◽  
Elevated Concentration ◽  
Contributing Factors

Abstract Background: Legionella pneumophila as a ubiquitous bacterium is inherently resistant to chlorine in tap water. It can easily enter water piping systems and get transmitted to immunocompromised populations and cause severe pneumonia. Owing to the fact that its presence in water sources doesn’t necessarily lead to onset of disease; therefore, several factors such as inhaled bacteria dose, virulence factors and diversity of serogroups can be considered as contributing factors. The main aim of current project was to investigate the contamination rate of hospital water systems with Legionella by culture and evaluate presence of major virulence factor genes as well as the ability to form biofilms among the Legionella isolates. Results: Twelve (12%) of the 100 water samples produced positive results in culture method. Additional confirmation was performed by PCR method with specific primers for Legionella genus (16SrRNA) and pneumophila species (mip). Fifty (5%) samples of 12 with positive culture have a colony forming unit higher than 1000cfu/100 ml. Legionella were isolated with a rate of 8%, 3% and 1% from shower heads, oxygen humidifier bottle and water bath, respectively. PCR assay for the virulence genes showed that all 12 (100%) isolates were positive for mip genes, 9 (75%) were positive for dot gene, 8 (66.66%) were positive for hsp, 6(50%) were positive for lvh and 4(33.33%) for rtx. Two of the isolates displayed higher ability to form biofilm in reference to the standard strain.Conclusion: Although the presence of Legionella pneumophila in hospital environment does not necessarily confer a threat to public health; continuous monitoring of water sources should be conducted in order to avoid elevated concentration of this bacterium and visible biofilm formation.

scholarly journals Current perspectives on atypical pneumonia in children

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (12) ◽  
pp. 469-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Yeon Shim
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Cell Walls ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Chlamydophila Pneumoniae ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Atypical Pneumonia ◽  
First Line ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Major Pathogens ◽  
Japan And China

The major pathogens that cause atypical pneumonia are <i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae</i>, and <i>Legionella pneumophila</i>. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by <i>M. pneumoniae</i> or <i>C. pneumoniae</i> is common in children and presents as a relatively mild and self-limiting disease. CAP due to <i>L. pneumophila</i> is very rare in children and progresses rapidly, with fatal outcomes if not treated early. <i>M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae</i>, and <i>L. pneumophila</i> have no cell walls; therefore, they do not respond to β-lactam antibiotics. Accordingly, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones are the treatments of choice for atypical pneumonia. Macrolides are the first-line antibiotics used in children because of their low minimum inhibitory concentrations and high safety. The incidence of pneumonia caused by macrolide-resistant <i>M. pneumoniae</i> that harbors point mutations has been increasing since 2000, particularly in Korea, Japan, and China. The marked increase in macrolide-resistant <i>M. pneumoniae</i> pneumonia (MRMP) is partly attributed to the excessive use of macrolides. MRMP does not always lead to clinical nonresponsiveness to macrolides. Furthermore, severe complicated MRMP responds to corticosteroids without requiring a change in antibiotic. This implies that the hyper-inflammatory status of the host can induce clinically refractory pneumonia regardless of mutation. Empirical macrolide therapy in children with mild to moderate CAP, particularly during periods without <i>M. pneumoniae</i> epidemics, may not provide additional benefits over β-lactam monotherapy and can increase the risk of MRMP.

scholarly journals Contamination of Water Sources of Karaj Hospitals with Legionella pneumophila and Campylobacter jejuni

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 142-146
Author(s):  
Niloofar Ghomimaghsad ◽  
Somayeh Yaslianifard ◽  
Mohammad Mohammadzadeh ◽  
Masoud Dadashi ◽  
Mohammad Noorisepehr
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Water Supply Systems ◽  
Contaminated Water

Background: One of the most common routes of infection development in humans is contaminated water. Legionella pneumophila and Campylobacter jejuni are the important causes of community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia and gastroenteritis that are transmitted to humans via the inhalation of contaminated water droplets and consumption of contaminated water, respectively. Thus, continuous monitoring of the water supply systems for these pathogens has great importance in public health. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the water contamination of Karaj hospitals with these two bacterial species. Materials and Methods: In this study, 62 water samples were obtained from different parts of the hospitals of Karaj from April to September 2019, including air conditioning systems, dialysis equipment, ventilation tanks, and different wards of a hospital such as infectious diseases, pediatrics, gastroenterology, dialysis, and intensive and neonatal intensive care units. The samples were collected in sterile containers and immediately transferred to the laboratory for further analysis. The culture on specific media, staining, and biochemical tests were performed to identify the L. pneumophila and C. jejuni. Results: Out of 62 water samples, 25.8% (16 samples) were positive for L. pneumophila; 68.75% were observed in hot water samples, and 31.25% were attributed to cold water samples. Among 62 samples, 4.84% (3 samples) were positive for C. jejuni, which were all detected in hot water samples. Conclusion: Considering that the methods of water refinery of municipal water have no high efficiency, the quality improvement of the water sources of hospitals seems to be necessary.

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