Serologic cross reactions between Legionellae and other pathogens of respiratory infections in the sera of patients with pneumonia
Lück, P.C.; Füssel, E.; Koop, D.; Thess, G.; Muschner, K.; Witzleb, W.
Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Hygiene und ihre Grenzgebiete 34(5): 294-295
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0049-8610 PMID: 3213095 Document Number: 317221
The mostly used microbiological test to diagnose Legionella infections is the indirect immunofluorescence test for antibody detection. To prove the specificity of the test, sera from 72 patients with Legionella pneumonia and from 397 patients with pneumonia of othe origin were tested simultaneously for antibodies against Legionellae and other respiratory pathogens (influenza virus, Adenovirus, Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydiae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae). In 35 paired sera with rising antibody titer against Legionellae no reaction was found against other tested pathogens. 67 paired sera with significant titer rises against other respiratory pathogens were negative in the legionella antibody test. In sera with uniform high standing titers againt Legionellae or other microbs only amnestic positive reaction against both Legionellae and the other tested respiratory agents were seen. Using heat inactivated antigens the indirect immunofluorescence technique for antibody detection against Legionellae is a test of high specificity. It differentiate Legionella pneumonias from pneumonias caused by influenza virus, Adenovirus, Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydiae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.