Abstract
During a three-year-period, serum samples from 209 patients with acute pneumonia were tested for antibodies to Legionella pneumophila, using an indirect micro-immunofluorescent antibody test performed with heat-killed serogroup specific antigens. Low antibody levels, defined by titres ranging from 32 to 128, were demonstrated in 73 of the patients. Seroconversion indicating current L. pneumophila, Serogroup 1, infection was documented in 3 previously healthy individuals. High IgM antibody titres suggested such an infection in 3 other patients. Thirteen patients showed either static or single antibody titres of 256 or greater. Only 7 of these patients had antibodies detectable with formalin-inactivated L. pneumophila, Serogroup 1, antigen. The high frequency of stationary antibody titres to heat-inactivated L. pneumophila antigen found in the present study suggests that formalin-inactivated organisms may be a superior antigen for the serodiagnosis of current Legionnaires' disease.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica. Section B, Microbiology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
