[Aggregation of cases of legionella pneumonia in workers related to the ceramic industry in Castellon, Spain, 2006].

BACKGROUND

Cases of legionellosis sometimes arise in the form of aggregations which are difficult to interpret. This study provides an analysis of these groupings having arisen one summer in Castellon.

METHODS

Microbiological, clinical and epidemiological field methods were employed.

RESULTS

Within a few days, there were five (5) cases of legionella pneumonia in workers related to various ceramic industries within an area where a large number of these plants are located. Two constituted a minor outbreak. By means of molecular biology techniques performed on the strains, the common origins of three of the cases were ruled out.

CONCLUSIONS

It is debated whether this episode of an outbreak having arisen within the context of a broader-ranging cluster of cases of a multi-focal origin was a chance event or whether it was the manifestation of a risk related to this industrial activity which might repeat itself.