Two Cases of Severe Legionella Pneumonia Early Diagnosed by Gimenez Stain of BALF

Abstract

We have recently encountered 2 cases of severe Legionella pneumonia. We examined bronchoalveolar lavage in both cases on admission, and we diagnosed Legionella pneumonia by Gimenez stain-positive rod-shaped bacteria in BALF. We started treatment for Legionella pneumonia from the first day of admission. Both cases eventually survived. We concluded that Gimenez stain of BALF was a useful method for the early diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia.