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. 1997 Mar;4(2):208–212. doi: 10.1128/cdli.4.2.208-212.1997

Serological cross-reactions between Coxiella burnetii and Legionella micdadei.

D Musso 1, D Raoult 1
PMCID: PMC170503  PMID: 9067657

Abstract

Coxiella burnetii and Legionella micdadei are both gram-negative bacteria potentially responsible for identical clinical syndromes resembling upper respiratory infections. These infections, quite common in immunocompromised patients, are usually diagnosed by serology with a microimmunofluorescence assay. We found that 34.5% of Q fever patients had a significant titer of antibodies against L. micdadei. Cross-reactions involved immunoglobulin G antibodies and were demonstrated by a cross-adsorption study and protein immunoblotting. Western blot analysis performed after treatment with proteinase K indicated that cross-reactions were probably due to both protein and lipopolysaccharide antigens. It is critical that the existence of this cross-reaction be recognized, as misdiagnosis of either condition may lead to incorrect and ineffective treatment.

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Selected References

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