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Legionnaires' disease organism, legionella

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Legionnaire's disease

Alternative Names: Legionella pneumonia; Pontiac fever Treatment: The goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection with antibiotics. Treatment is started as soon as Legionnaire's disease is suspected, without waiting for confirmation by culture results. Text Continues Below The antibiotics commonly used are quinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or gatifloxacin) or macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin). Supportive treatment includes hospitalization for fluid and electrolyte replacement and oxygen administration by mask or by mechanical ventilation, if the respiratory system becomes severely compromised by the infection. Expectations (prognosis): The overall death rate for those with pneumonia is about 15%, and the death rate increases in those with underlying diseases. The mortality for patients who develop Legionnaire's disease while hospitalized is close to 50%, especially when antibiotics are started late. Complications: Some complications include respiratory failure requiring use of a respirator. Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if breathing difficulties develop.

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