Abstract
Legionnaires’ disease is a multi-system disease which causes atypical pneumonia due to Legionella bacteria, most commonly of the species Legionella pneumophila. About one out of every 10 people who get sick from Legionnaires’ disease will die. Most common source of infection-contaminated water supply through inhalation of contaminated water droplets (aerosols). A laboratory diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease can be made using a variety of laboratory tests including: culture/isolation of the causative organism, antigen detection in urine, a significant rise in antibody titres or PCR methods. Determination of the monoclonal subtype and molecular sequence typing can support linking between strains from the sampled environment and from patients. The control measures available to reduce the amount of Legionella in a water system include structural adaptations to the water system, temperature control, disinfection using chemicals or other oxidizing materials, and use of biocides or installation of filters. JMS 2014;17(2):50-54
Highlights
Legionellosis is a collection of infections that emerged in the second half of the 20th century
Legionella is an important pathogen in nosocomial pneumonia and causes community acquired pneumonia resulting in a high rate of hospital admission
[1] The affected suffered from pneumonia that eventually became known as Legionnaires' disease (LD)
Summary
Legionellosis is a collection of infections that emerged in the second half of the 20th century. Artificial reservoirs are large plumbing systems, intracellular pathogens of freeliving protozoa and other aquatic eukaryotes harbor legionella Amoebas such as Acanthamoeba, Hartmannella, Naegleria provide the bacteria with an ideal environment for reproduction and development. If not all, Legionella are associated with biofilms in showers and faucets in cooling towers (air-conditioning units for large buildings) It is found in hot tubs that aren't drained after each use, decorative fountains and water features, hot water tanks and heaters, large plumbing systems, humidifiers. An outbreak occur when two or more people are exposed to Legionella and get sick in the same place at about the same time, and is commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems like hotels and resorts, long-term care facilities,hospitals, cruise ships[6]
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