Legionella pneumophila presenting as a rare cause of acute thrombocytopenia: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

Introduction: Legionella pneumophila can cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from a mild flu-like illness to fulminant multi-organ involvement, characterised by severe pneumonia, diarrhoea, encephalopathy, shock, hepatic dysfunction and renal failure. Very rarely, it can be associated with haematologic conditions such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We report a rare case of L. pneumophila causing ITP and review previously published cases of thrombocytopenia associated with Legionellosis in the literature. Case description: A 53-year-old male presented with fevers, chills, a productive cough and severe haemoptysis. Blood work was remarkable for leukocytosis, severe thrombocytopenia and hyponatraemia. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed left lower lobe lung consolidation, and a peripheral blood smear showed giant platelets consistent with ITP. Legionella urine antigen testing returned positive. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobin, steroid taper and a ten-day course of azithromycin, which led to normalisation of his platelet count and resolution of the pneumonia. Discussion: L. pneumophila can lead to complement-mediated destruction of platelets resulting in ITP. Antibodies against L. pneumophila can also cross-react with the enzyme ADAMTS13, inhibiting its function and resulting in TTP and HUS. Additionally, L. pneumophila can infect vascular endothelial cells causing their death and stimulating release of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers into the bloodstream, promoting thrombosis and platelet consumption. Conclusion: It is important for internists to consider L. pneumophila in the differential for any patient presenting with pneumonia and severe thrombocytopenia. Earlier detection and intervention can lead to prevention of critical bleeding and better outcomes.