The test is useful in diagnosing diseases called
Legionellosis, caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila
The first form of the disease, which runs with acute pneumonia
is called Legionnaires' disease. In immunocompromised individuals
can develop lung abscesses. The second form of the disease, which runs
with flu-like symptoms, fever, muscle aches is called
Pontiac fever. Detection of Legionella pneumophila antigen in addition to
microbiological tests, detection of bacterial DNA, determination of
antibody concentration is used in the diagnosis of legionellosis.