Descripción de hallazgos virológicos inusuales en hepatitis C aguda / Unusual virologic findings in acute hepatitis C

La hepatitis C aguda es asintomática o inespecífica en un 80 % de los casos, por lo que su diagnóstico suele pasar inadvertido, con escasas descripciones de evolución y manejo en la literatura. El clearance es-pontáneo se produce sólo en el 20 %, ocurriendo en general, dentro de las 12 semanas desde la infección. Las guías clínicas recomiendan un mínimo de seguimiento de 12-16 semanas antes de considerar tra-tamiento antiviral. Se describen dos casos de nuestra consulta donde se logró detectar la recaída virológica, al extender el tiempo de segui-miento

Acute hepatitis C is a diagnostic challenge because it is asymptomatic or non specific in more than 80% of cases. There is limited data on the literature, because of its low incidence. Spontaneous clearance is observed only in 20% of cases, generally within the first 12 weeks. Clinical guidelines, recommend to wait at least 12-16 weeks before considering antiviral treatment. In the following cases at our consultation, we managed to diagnose the viral breakthrough by extending the follow-up period.

Reproducción asistida en hombres infectados con el virus de VIH / Assisted reproduction in HIV positive men

Objetivo: Describir un programa de procreación responsable en parejas donde el varón está infectado con el VIH organizado en un centro ambulatorio infectológico de la ciudad de Bs. As. y llevado a cabo por un equipo interdisciplinario conformado por Infectólogos, Bioquímicos, Ginecólogos y Biólogos. Comentar algunas revisiones de la literatura que avalan la evidencia cientifica para realizar estos procedimientos. Métodos: las parejas serodiscordantes son candidatas para este programa si el varón tiene seguimiento infectológico, los estudios de esperma demuestran carga viral (CV) indetectable y DNA proviral de VIH negativo, y, la mujer tiene ADN proviral de VIH negativo en sangre, en el ciclo en el cual se realizará el procedimiento de fertilización asistida. Se realiza en la mujer pesquisa de infecciones connatales. Las muestras de esperma son procesadas con técnicas de lavado, swim up y swim down, y congeladas. Después de cada procedimiento de fertilización asistida la mujer es controlada controlada con estudios serológicos para anticuerpos (VIH ELISA) periódicos. Los recién nacidos son evaluados a través de ADN proviral de VIH en el 1er mes de vida, o, durante los primeros 6 meses de vida a través de anticuerpos (VIH ELISA). Resultadaos: desde 12/2000 y hasta mayo 2009 se incluyeron 165 parejas serodiscordantes. 147 pacientes VIH (+) realizaron estudios de muestras de esperma, 26, tuvieron muestras con estudios microbiológicos positivos (23, CV detectable, y 3, ADN proviral de VIH positivo). En 123 parejas se realizaron: 329 inseminaciones, 55 ICSI y 28 FIV. Se concretron 44 embarazos y nacieron 51 bebés. Todos los estudios realizados a las mujeres y recién nacidos mostraron resultados negativos. Conclusiones: este programa logró resultados satisfactorios en la prevención de infecciones por VIH y connatales.(AU)

Objective: to describe the data obtained during the development of an assisted reproduction program for couples where the man is HIV - Infected organized by an ambulatory infectologist center in BsAs city. a multidisciplinary team with infectious disease MD, biochemists, ginecologists and bilogist collaborate in the follow-up of the patients. Methods: couples seeking reproductive counseling were eligible for this programme if: the HIV positive male partner adhered to an infectious disease follow-up, he has undetectable viral load in the fresh sperm sample and is negative for HIV proviral DNA in the swim-up material after sperm washing, the female partner is negative for HIV proviral DNA immediately beforme each assisted reproduction attempt. Procedures comprised intrauterine insemination, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization accordin to gynecologist indication. After each procedure, women were tested for indication. After each procedure, women were tested for HIV antibodies periodically. Newborns were tested for HIV proviral DNA at one month of age or HE during the first six months. Results: One hundred and sixty five couples were assessed, semen analyses results were obtained from 147 HIV positive men, 23 had detectable viral load, 3 had positive HIV proviral DNA in swim up. One hundred and twenty three couples undervent AR procedures: 329 intrauterine inseminations, 55 intracytoplasmic sperm injections, and 28 in-vitro fertilizations. Forty four pregnancies resulted in fifty one live Births. All HE and HDP tests performed in women and new-borns were negative. Conclusions: This programme achieved satisfactory results in prevention of HIV and congenital infections.(AU)

Reproducción asistida en hombres infectados con el virus de VIH / Assisted reproduction in HIV positive men

Objetivo: Describir un programa de procreación responsable en parejas donde el varón está infectado con el VIH organizado en un centro ambulatorio infectológico de la ciudad de Bs. As. y llevado a cabo por un equipo interdisciplinario conformado por Infectólogos, Bioquímicos, Ginecólogos y Biólogos. Comentar algunas revisiones de la literatura que avalan la evidencia cientifica para realizar estos procedimientos. Métodos: las parejas serodiscordantes son candidatas para este programa si el varón tiene seguimiento infectológico, los estudios de esperma demuestran carga viral (CV) indetectable y DNA proviral de VIH negativo, y, la mujer tiene ADN proviral de VIH negativo en sangre, en el ciclo en el cual se realizará el procedimiento de fertilización asistida. Se realiza en la mujer pesquisa de infecciones connatales. Las muestras de esperma son procesadas con técnicas de lavado, swim up y swim down, y congeladas. Después de cada procedimiento de fertilización asistida la mujer es controlada controlada con estudios serológicos para anticuerpos (VIH ELISA) periódicos. Los recién nacidos son evaluados a través de ADN proviral de VIH en el 1er mes de vida, o, durante los primeros 6 meses de vida a través de anticuerpos (VIH ELISA). Resultadaos: desde 12/2000 y hasta mayo 2009 se incluyeron 165 parejas serodiscordantes. 147 pacientes VIH (+) realizaron estudios de muestras de esperma, 26, tuvieron muestras con estudios microbiológicos positivos (23, CV detectable, y 3, ADN proviral de VIH positivo). En 123 parejas se realizaron: 329 inseminaciones, 55 ICSI y 28 FIV. Se concretron 44 embarazos y nacieron 51 bebés. Todos los estudios realizados a las mujeres y recién nacidos mostraron resultados negativos. Conclusiones: este programa logró resultados satisfactorios en la prevención de infecciones por VIH y connatales.

Objective: to describe the data obtained during the development of an assisted reproduction program for couples where the man is HIV - Infected organized by an ambulatory infectologist center in BsAs city. a multidisciplinary team with infectious disease MD, biochemists, ginecologists and bilogist collaborate in the follow-up of the patients. Methods: couples seeking reproductive counseling were eligible for this programme if: the HIV positive male partner adhered to an infectious disease follow-up, he has undetectable viral load in the fresh sperm sample and is negative for HIV proviral DNA in the swim-up material after sperm washing, the female partner is negative for HIV proviral DNA immediately beforme each assisted reproduction attempt. Procedures comprised intrauterine insemination, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization accordin to gynecologist indication. After each procedure, women were tested for indication. After each procedure, women were tested for HIV antibodies periodically. Newborns were tested for HIV proviral DNA at one month of age or HE during the first six months. Results: One hundred and sixty five couples were assessed, semen analyses results were obtained from 147 HIV positive men, 23 had detectable viral load, 3 had positive HIV proviral DNA in swim up. One hundred and twenty three couples undervent AR procedures: 329 intrauterine inseminations, 55 intracytoplasmic sperm injections, and 28 in-vitro fertilizations. Forty four pregnancies resulted in fifty one live Births. All HE and HDP tests performed in women and new-borns were negative. Conclusions: This programme achieved satisfactory results in prevention of HIV and congenital infections.

[Argentine Consensus of Congenital Toxoplasmosis]. / Consenso Argentino de Toxoplasmosis Congénita.

The mother-to-child transmission in Toxoplasma gondii infection occurs only when the infection is acquired for the first time during pregnancy. The prenatal and early postnatal diagnosis can only be achieved by serological testing. Serologic tests have different sensitivities, specificities and complexities, so that different tests in more than one blood sample are necessary for the diagnosis. Serological follow-up of the infants should be conducted during the first year of life or until the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis can be ruled out. Treatment recommendations try to reduce the transmission rate and the risk of congenital damage. Congenital toxoplasmosis incidence rate is approximately 5 per 1000 births, but can be reduced to 0.5 per 1000 with an active screening program. The aim of this consensus group was to review the scientific literature on congenital toxoplasmosis and prepare a statement on prevention, diagnosis and treatment that should be implemented in our country.

Consenso argentino de toxoplasmosis congénita / Argentine Consensus of Congenital Toxoplasmosis

La transmisión de la infección por Toxoplasma gondii de la madre al hijo ocurre cuando la madre se infecta por primera vez en el transcurso del embarazo. Tanto el diagnóstico prenatal, como el del primer año de vida se basa en pruebas serológicas; y la mayoría de las veces es necesario realizar más de una de estas pruebas ya que tienen distintos porcentajes de sensibilidad y/o especificidad así como distintos niveles de complejidad. El recién nacido requiere seguimiento serológico en el primer año de vida o hasta que se descarte el diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis congénita. El diagnóstico temprano de la infección, en la mujer embarazada, permite un tratamiento oportuno y se indica con el propósito de reducir la tasa de transmisión y el daño congénito. Es posible que con un programa activo, de prevención y tratamiento temprano, se pueda reducir la tasa de incidencia de la toxoplasmosis congénita de alrededor del 5 por mil nacimientos a 0.5 por mil. El objetivo de este consenso fue revisar la literatura científica para la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la toxoplasmosis congénita, para que se pueda implementar en nuestro país.

The mother-to-child transmission in Toxoplasma gondii infection occurs only when the infection is acquired for the first time during pregnancy. The prenatal and early postnatal diagnosis can only be achieved by serological testing. Serologic tests have different sensitivities, specificities and complexities, so that different tests in more than one blood sample are necessary for the diagnosis. Serological follow-up of the infants should be conducted during the first year of life or until the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis can be ruled out. Treatment recommendations try to reduce the transmission rate and the risk of congenital damage. Congenital toxoplasmosis incidence rate is approximately 5 per 1000 births, but can be reduced to 0.5 per 1000 with an active screening program. The aim of this consensus group was to review the scientific literature on congenital toxoplasmosis and prepare a statement on prevention, diagnosis and treatment that should be implemented in our country.

[Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults]. / Infección por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepático en adultos inmunocompetentes.

We retrospectively evaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic between March 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminases and serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history of transfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis of recent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT was increased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosis of CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice, the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgM against CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infection should be investigated.

Infeccion por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepatico en adultos inmunocompetentes / Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults

Evaluamos retrospectivamente a 73 adultos inmunocompetentes que consultaron entre marzo de 1999 y marzo de 2004 a un centro infectológico ambulatorio por fiebre y astenia, con elevación discreta de las transaminasas y serología compatible con infección reciente por citomegalovirus (CMV). Excluimos a pacientes con antecedentes de transfusiones, adicciones e inmunodeficiencias, así como aquellos con alteraciones hepáticas preexistentes o con serología compatible con infección aguda por hepatitis A, B, C (VHA, VHB, VHC) o virus Epstein Barr (VEB). El diagnóstico de infección reciente por citomegalovirus se efectuó mediante la detección de IgM específica (ELISA de captura), seroconversión o aumento cuádruple del título de IgG específica, en presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (85%) y astenia (83%), cefalea (25%), esplenomegalia (20%), adenomegalia (22%), faringitis (25%), mialgia (25%) y hepatomegalia (19 %). Se encontró elevación discreta de transaminasas y linfomonocitosis en todos los pacientes (73/73). La elevación promedio de GPT fue de 6 veces y la de GOT fue de 3.5 veces su valor límite. Las características clínicas que diferencian la infección por CMV de la infección por VEB son la menor frecuencia de poliadenopatías y faringitis en la primera. El diagnóstico diferencial de la infección por CMV con compromise hepático con las hepatitis A y B agudas se basa en la ausencia de ictericia, la menor elevación de las transaminasas, la linfomonocitosis intensa y la presencia de IgM específica que caracterizan a la infección por CMV. En conclusión, ante un paciente joven, previamente sano, con fiebre, astenia intensa, linfomonocitosis y elevación discreta de transaminasas, es importante investigar infección por citomegalovirus.

We retrospectivelyevaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic betweenMarch 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminasesand serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history oftransfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis ofrecent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT wasincreased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosisof CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice,the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgMagainst CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infectionshould be investigated.

Infeccion por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepatico en adultos inmunocompetentes / Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults

Evaluamos retrospectivamente a 73 adultos inmunocompetentes que consultaron entre marzo de 1999 y marzo de 2004 a un centro infectológico ambulatorio por fiebre y astenia, con elevación discreta de las transaminasas y serología compatible con infección reciente por citomegalovirus (CMV). Excluimos a pacientes con antecedentes de transfusiones, adicciones e inmunodeficiencias, así como aquellos con alteraciones hepáticas preexistentes o con serología compatible con infección aguda por hepatitis A, B, C (VHA, VHB, VHC) o virus Epstein Barr (VEB). El diagnóstico de infección reciente por citomegalovirus se efectuó mediante la detección de IgM específica (ELISA de captura), seroconversión o aumento cuádruple del título de IgG específica, en presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (85%) y astenia (83%), cefalea (25%), esplenomegalia (20%), adenomegalia (22%), faringitis (25%), mialgia (25%) y hepatomegalia (19 %). Se encontró elevación discreta de transaminasas y linfomonocitosis en todos los pacientes (73/73). La elevación promedio de GPT fue de 6 veces y la de GOT fue de 3.5 veces su valor límite. Las características clínicas que diferencian la infección por CMV de la infección por VEB son la menor frecuencia de poliadenopatías y faringitis en la primera. El diagnóstico diferencial de la infección por CMV con compromise hepático con las hepatitis A y B agudas se basa en la ausencia de ictericia, la menor elevación de las transaminasas, la linfomonocitosis intensa y la presencia de IgM específica que caracterizan a la infección por CMV. En conclusión, ante un paciente joven, previamente sano, con fiebre, astenia intensa, linfomonocitosis y elevación discreta de transaminasas, es importante investigar infección por citomegalovirus.(AU)

We retrospectivelyevaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic betweenMarch 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminasesand serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history oftransfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis ofrecent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT wasincreased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosisof CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice,the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgMagainst CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infectionshould be investigated.(AU)

Infeccion por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepatico en adultos inmunocompetentes / Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults

Evaluamos retrospectivamente a 73 adultos inmunocompetentes que consultaron entre marzo de 1999 y marzo de 2004 a un centro infectológico ambulatorio por fiebre y astenia, con elevación discreta de las transaminasas y serología compatible con infección reciente por citomegalovirus (CMV). Excluimos a pacientes con antecedentes de transfusiones, adicciones e inmunodeficiencias, así como aquellos con alteraciones hepáticas preexistentes o con serología compatible con infección aguda por hepatitis A, B, C (VHA, VHB, VHC) o virus Epstein Barr (VEB). El diagnóstico de infección reciente por citomegalovirus se efectuó mediante la detección de IgM específica (ELISA de captura), seroconversión o aumento cuádruple del título de IgG específica, en presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (85%) y astenia (83%), cefalea (25%), esplenomegalia (20%), adenomegalia (22%), faringitis (25%), mialgia (25%) y hepatomegalia (19 %). Se encontró elevación discreta de transaminasas y linfomonocitosis en todos los pacientes (73/73). La elevación promedio de GPT fue de 6 veces y la de GOT fue de 3.5 veces su valor límite. Las características clínicas que diferencian la infección por CMV de la infección por VEB son la menor frecuencia de poliadenopatías y faringitis en la primera. El diagnóstico diferencial de la infección por CMV con compromise hepático con las hepatitis A y B agudas se basa en la ausencia de ictericia, la menor elevación de las transaminasas, la linfomonocitosis intensa y la presencia de IgM específica que caracterizan a la infección por CMV. En conclusión, ante un paciente joven, previamente sano, con fiebre, astenia intensa, linfomonocitosis y elevación discreta de transaminasas, es importante investigar infección por citomegalovirus.(AU)

We retrospectivelyevaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic betweenMarch 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminasesand serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history oftransfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis ofrecent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT wasincreased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosisof CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice,the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgMagainst CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infectionshould be investigated.(AU)

[Detection of acute infection due to legionella pneumophila in patient with community acquired pneumonia in Buenos Aires city]. / Detección de infección aguda por Legionella pneumophila en pacientes con neumonia adquirida en la comunidad en la ciudad de Buenos Aires.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is caused by different microorganisms, their frequency varying in each community. Legionella pneumophila has been reported as etiologic agent of CAP. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of acute infection due to Legionella pneumophila in a group of adult patients in Buenos Aires city. Adults of both sexes with CAP diagnosis were included and two serum samples, acute and convalescence (2-4 weeks apart from each other), were tested to detect antibodies against Legionella pneumophila by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) (Organon Teknica, NC, USA). Ninety-two of the enrolled patients were evaluable, average age 56 years, 55% men (males), 52.2% did not require hospitalization. Three patients (3.3%) fulfilled the serologic diagnostic criteria for Legionella pneumophila acute infection. None of them were confirmed by microorganism isolation. The actual incidence of CAP caused by Legionella pneumophila in Argentina has not yet been established. It will require studies including larger numbers of patients and the use of simple and sensitive tests, such as Legionella pneumophila urinary antigen detection, to establish the exact role of this pathogen in our community.

Detección de infección aguda por Legionella pneumophila en pacientes con neumonia adquirida en la comunidad en la ciudad de Buenos Aires / [Detection of acute infection due to legionella pneumophila in patient with community acquired pneumonia in Buenos Aires city]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is caused by different microorganisms, their frequency varying in each community. Legionella pneumophila has been reported as etiologic agent of CAP. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of acute infection due to Legionella pneumophila in a group of adult patients in Buenos Aires city. Adults of both sexes with CAP diagnosis were included and two serum samples, acute and convalescence (2-4 weeks apart from each other), were tested to detect antibodies against Legionella pneumophila by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) (Organon Teknica, NC, USA). Ninety-two of the enrolled patients were evaluable, average age 56 years, 55

) fulfilled the serologic diagnostic criteria for Legionella pneumophila acute infection. None of them were confirmed by microorganism isolation. The actual incidence of CAP caused by Legionella pneumophila in Argentina has not yet been established. It will require studies including larger numbers of patients and the use of simple and sensitive tests, such as Legionella pneumophila urinary antigen detection, to establish the exact role of this pathogen in our community.

Detección de infección aguda por Legionella pneumophila en pacientes con neumonia adquirida en la comunidad en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. / [Detection of acute infection due to legionella pneumophila in patient with community acquired pneumonia in Buenos Aires city]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is caused by different microorganisms, their frequency varying in each community. Legionella pneumophila has been reported as etiologic agent of CAP. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of acute infection due to Legionella pneumophila in a group of adult patients in Buenos Aires city. Adults of both sexes with CAP diagnosis were included and two serum samples, acute and convalescence (2-4 weeks apart from each other), were tested to detect antibodies against Legionella pneumophila by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) (Organon Teknica, NC, USA). Ninety-two of the enrolled patients were evaluable, average age 56 years, 55

men (males), 52.2

did not require hospitalization. Three patients (3.3

) fulfilled the serologic diagnostic criteria for Legionella pneumophila acute infection. None of them were confirmed by microorganism isolation. The actual incidence of CAP caused by Legionella pneumophila in Argentina has not yet been established. It will require studies including larger numbers of patients and the use of simple and sensitive tests, such as Legionella pneumophila urinary antigen detection, to establish the exact role of this pathogen in our community.