The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease includes:
Legionnaires' disease is confirmed by laboratory tests that detect the presence of the bacterium, Legionella pnuemophila, or the presence of other bacteria in the family Legionellaceae. (Source: excerpt from Legionnaires' Disease: NIEHS_1)
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The patient history focuses on possible sources of infection and predisposing conditions. Additional tests reveal:
❑ Chest X-ray shows patchy, localized infiltration, which progresses to multilobar consolidation (usually involving the lower lobes), pleural effusion and, in fulminant disease, opacification of the entire lung.
❑ Auscultation reveals fine crackles, progressing to coarse crackles as the disease advances.
❑ Abnormal findings include leukocytosis, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an increase in liver enzyme levels (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), hyponatremia, decreased partial pressure of arterial oxygen and, initially, decreased partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide. Bronchial washings and blood, pleural fluid, and sputum tests rule out other infections.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
The patient history focuses on possible sources of infection and predisposing conditions. In addition, a chest X-ray shows patchy, localized infiltration, which progresses to multilobar consolidation (usually involving the lower lobes), pleural effusion and, in fulminant disease, opacification of the entire lung.
Auscultation reveals fine crackles, progressing to coarse crackles as the disease advances.
Abnormal test findings include leukocytosis, an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an increase in liver enzyme levels (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), hyponatremia, decreased partial pressure of arterial oxygen and, initially, decreased partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide. Bronchial washings and blood, pleural fluid, and sputum tests rule out other infections.
Definitive tests include direct immunofluorescence of respiratory tract secretions and tissue, a culture of L. pneumophila, and indirect fluorescent antibody testing of serum comparing acute samples with convalescent samples drawn at least 3 weeks later. A urine specimen for L. pneumophila antigen may also be performed. A convalescent serum showing a fourfold or greater rise in antibody titer for Legionella confirms this diagnosis.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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