Legionellosis in a Patient with Water Contamination in Healthcare and Residential Settings: A Case Report

Darmawali Handoko; Subangkit Subangkit; Kambang Sariadji; Hana Apsari Pawestri; Rencana Rencana; Arie Ardiansyah Nugraha; Fauzul Muna; Yuni Rukminiati; Eka Pratiwi

doi:10.55927/eajmr.v5i1.542

Authors

Darmawali Handoko National Health Biology Laboratory
Subangkit Subangkit National Health Biology Laboratory
Kambang Sariadji National Health Biology Laboratory
Hana Apsari Pawestri National Health Biology Laboratory
Rencana Rencana Public Health Laboratory, Batam
Arie Ardiansyah Nugraha National Health Biology Laboratory
Fauzul Muna National Health Biology Laboratory
Yuni Rukminiati National Health Biology Laboratory
Eka Pratiwi National Health Biology Laboratory

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i1.542

Keywords:

Legionellosis, Water Contamination, Healthcare and Residential Settings

Abstract

Legionella pneumophila is a waterborne pathogen causing severe pneumonia through inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Data on legionellosis in Indonesia remain limited, particularly regarding environmental sources. To describe a confirmed case of legionellosis and assess potential environmental exposure from hospital and household water systems. Clinical confirmation was performed using PCR detection of L. pneumophila from respiratory specimens. Environmental swab samples were collected from aerosol- and water-associated sources in the hospital and the patient’s home and tested using PCR for Legionella sp. and L. pneumophila. Seven of twelve clinical specimens were positive for L. pneumophila. Environmental sampling detected Legionella sp. in multiple hospital and household sites, although L. pneumophila was not detected. The coexistence of confirmed L. pneumophila infection and environmental Legionella contamination indicates potential dual exposure and highlights the need for strengthened water system surveillance.

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