Legionnaires' Disease, Pontiac Fever, and Related Illnesses

First case of Legionella pneumonia in a female patient with anorexia nervosa

“…L. pneumophila usually enters the host by inhalation or aspiration of contaminated water or aerosol from water heaters, humidifiers, air conditioners, whirlpools and jet nebulizers used in respiratory therapy. 1 In our case, the patient had a low risk for nosocomial legionellosis due to the absence of water or aerosol exposure after hospitalisation. While it was unclear whether there was an infection source in her home, she was symptomatic at admission and experienced the development of cavitary legionellosis complicated with pneumothorax over 2 weeks.…”

“…Legionella pneumonia is rare among healthy children and is reported found in only 1% of paediatric, community‐acquired pneumonia cases. L. pneumophila usually enters the host by inhalation or aspiration of contaminated water or aerosol from water heaters, humidifiers, air conditioners, whirlpools and jet nebulizers used in respiratory therapy 1 . In our case, the patient had a low risk for nosocomial legionellosis due to the absence of water or aerosol exposure after hospitalisation.…”

“…Previously reported risk factors for legionellosis in children are primary immunodeficiency, neonatal age, acute leukaemia, post‐transplantation status, use of corticosteroid or adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy, and an underlying lung disease 1 . The present case is the first instance of legionellosis in anorexia nervosa.…”