[Analysis of 9 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with legionnaires disease].

OBJECTIVE

To study the characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with legionnaires disease (LD) to avoid misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment.

METHOD: Nine cases of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with LD were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULT: The clinical and chest X-ray manifestations varied, and no characteristics were found in these cases. Because cross antibodies existed between Legionella pneumophila and other causal bacteria, it was found difficult to differentiate LD, pulmonary tuberculosis and other causal bacteria infection. Efficacy of erythromycin combined with rifampicin, and decrease of serum titres of Legionella pneumophila four times after treatment were found helpful for definite diagnosis of LD.

CONCLUSION

Only paying much attention to LD, and detecting the serum antibody as early as possible can provide evidence for diagnosing of the disease.