Urinary antigen test EIA: A valuable rapid clinical method for the diagnosis of legionella

Background: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common health concern and the main mortality factor worldwide. Nowadays, legionella pneumophila is one of the most common microorganisms responsible for CAP. We designed this study to investigate the antigen test as a useful, simple and rapid test for early diagnosis of legionella pneumophila. Materials and methods: We enrolled 118 patients (32 females and 86 males) with CAP, COPD and asthma in Masih Daneshvari medical center during 2004 –5. Clinical and microbiological evaluations were performed. Sputum culture and legionella urinary antigen tests were carried out. Results: Different types of bacteria were isolated from 118 patients. The most frequently isolated respiratory microorganisms were: streptococcus pneumonia (88%), candida spp. (76.2%), beta-hemolytic streptococcus (61.8%), neiseria spp (44.4%), staphylococcus (40.6%), klebsiella spp (27.1%), fungi (16.1%), E.coli (8.4%), and pseudomonas spp (5.1%). No legionella was detected from sputum specimens. Legionella urinary antigen testing was revealed to be positive in 3 males. Conclusion: Urinary antigen test is a particularly useful, simple and rapid test since it is often easier to obtain urine in ill patients. The results can be available within hours and it is also reliable enough to commence treatment.