[A case report of Legionella pneumonia in a patient with ulcerative colitis undergoing remission maintenance using azathioprine]

Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi. 2020;117(11):971-977. doi: 10.11405/nisshoshi.117.971.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

A 67-year-old man was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis one year ago. Remission was induced via the oral administration of prednisolone and azathioprine;prednisolone was gradually reduced and discontinued. He maintained remission with azathioprine but developed fever and general malaise and visited the Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital. Chest radiography and a urinary antigen test revealed Legionella pneumonia. His symptoms reduced immediately after the initiation of levofloxacin. Azathioprine suppresses cellular immunity and may increase the risk of Legionella pneumonia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Legionella*
  • Male
  • Pneumonia*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Azathioprine