Briefing Note: Update Cases of pneumonia due to Legionella Tucumán, Argentina

As of today, a total of 11 cases of pneumonia linked to this cluster have been reported, including 4 deaths, with onset of symptoms between 18 and 25 August 2022. All cases are linked to the same private clinic in San Miguel de Tucumán.

On 3 September 2022, the ANLIS reported that amplification products of the 16S ribosomal gene for Legionella were sequenced from two bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples by massive sequencing and by four bioinformatic analysis methods, with results compatible with Legionella pneumophila. In the preliminary results of two BAL samples analyzed by total DNA sequencing (metagenomics), readings are compatible with Legionella spp. Confirmation of these results is pending of the sequencing processes. In addition, culture and seroconversion analysis are ongoing , which are complementary tests for Legionella infection.