Legionella Pneumonia Undetected by Repeated Urinary Antigen Testing With Ribotest® Legionella

Cureus. 2024 Nov 19;16(11):e74035. doi: 10.7759/cureus.74035. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Abstract

This report presents a patient with Legionella pneumonia (LP), initially presented with fever and mild hypoxemia, with subsequent progression to severe pneumonia during hospitalization. Despite multiple negative urinary antigen tests using Ribotest® Legionella, the diagnosis was confirmed via the loop-mediated isothermal amplification method of lower respiratory tract secretions. This case highlights the diagnostic limitations of Ribotest® Legionella and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic strategy, incorporating nucleic acid amplification tests or culture in suspected patients with LP. Early recognition of these diagnostic challenges is critical for optimizing patient outcomes.

Keywords: bronchoscopy; legionella pneumonia; loop-mediated isothermal amplification; ribotest® legionella; urinary antigen test.

Publication types

  • Case Reports