Infection of macrophage-like cells by Legionella species that have not been associated with disease

Infect Immun. 1996 Oct;64(10):4381-4. doi: 10.1128/iai.64.10.4381-4384.1996.

Abstract

We assessed the ability of Legionella species that have not been associated with disease to infect macrophage-like U937 cells. Two of fourteen species tested exhibited a 50% infective dose that was within I log unit of that of virulent L. pneumophila. Indeed, intracellular CFU of L. jamestowniensis and L. parisiensis increased 100-fold over a 72-h period. These data indicate that additional legionellae can flourish within phagocytes and therefore, can, if given the opportunity, cause disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Humans
  • Legionella / physiology*
  • Macrophages / microbiology*