A case of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia

Abstract

A 60-year-old man stayed over night in an old hotel keeping air-conditioner on. Three days later, he admitted to our hospital with pneumonia. Laboratory data on admission revealed liver dysfunction, jaundice and hypophosphatemia. Next day, derilium and confusion appeared and liver function gradually worsened. We suspected Legionella pneumonia from laboratory data and psychological symptom. Administration of erythromycin combined with steroids was started expecting antiinflammatory effect. Subsequently, pneumonia resolved markedly, and liver dysfunction and hypophosphatemia returned to the normal levels. Psychological symptoms also disappeared but the loss of memory occurred during the acute stage remained. IFA titer for Legionella pneumophila on admission was