[Legionella pneumophila pneumonia associated with the use of a home humidifier in an immunocompetent girl].

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Legionellosis is an uncommon cause of pneumonia in children and even more exceptionally in healthy children. The purpose of this study is to describe the procedure which led to the identification of an unusual source of legionella infection, in a healthy girl, and highlight the need to adopt preventive measures.

METHODOLOGY AND

RESULTS

A 4-year old girl without any risk factors was diagnosed of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. After investigating the environment, it was found that the source of the transmission was a home humidifier.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the fact that this equipment is classified with a low probability of spreading legionella, a lack of cleanliness and maintenance of these machines can increase the risk of transmission of the bacteria. Therefore, healthcare professionals must give adequate advice to their patients about the care of this equipment and how to use these machines properly.