Abstract
Legionella longbeachae, found in soil and compost-derived products, is a globally underdiagnosed cause of Legionnaires' disease. We conducted a case-control study of L. longbeachae Legionnaires' disease in Canterbury, New Zealand. Case-patients were persons hospitalized with L. longbeachae pneumonia, and controls were persons randomly sampled from the electoral roll for the area served by the participating hospital. Among 31 cases and 172 controls, risk factors for Legionnaires' disease were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of smoking >10 years, and exposure to compost or potting mix. Gardening behaviors associated with L. longbeachae disease included having unwashed hands near the face after exposure to or tipping and troweling compost or potting mix. Mask or glove use was not protective among persons exposed to compost-derived products. Precautions against inhaling compost and attention to hand hygiene might effectively prevent L. longbeachae disease. Long-term smokers and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should be particularly careful.
Highlights
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases
One case was excluded because the patient was not on a Canterbury electoral roll, and 2 patients were interviewed but later excluded from the analysis when L. longbeachae infection was not confirmed
Forty years since the first identification of Legionnaires’ disease, we still do not have a thorough understanding of how to prevent disease caused by the species L. longbeachae
Summary
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases. LLC designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. All other clinicians completing this activity will be issued a certificate of participation. To participate in this journal CME activity: [1] review the learning objectives and author disclosures; [2] study the education content; [3] take the post-test with a 75% minimum passing score and complete the evaluation at http://www.medscape.org/journal/eid; and [4] view/print certificate. PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: owns stock, stock options, or bonds from Cooper Companies, Inc.; McKesson Corp; Medtronic; STERIS; Bio-Techne Corp
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