Pathogens
Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila

Precautions

Routine Practices

Susceptibilities

General Information

Aerobic small gram negative bacillus.

Reservoir is water. Aerosolization by cooling towers, spas, shower heads, etc.

Occurs in outbreaks. Contact your local Public Health Unit if you suspect an outbreak of Legionella in your facility.

Person-to-person transmission not documented.

  •  Pneumonia (Legionnaires disease)
  •  Pontiac fever (Self-limited febrile illness)
  •  Extrapulmonary infections rare, but include endocarditis

Risk factors include:

  • Outbreak setting
  • Older male
  • Smoker
  • Cardiopulmonary disease
  • Renal disease
  • Immunosuppression

Consult Infectious Diseases.

Kenora does not have special media to grow this organism, samples must be referred to PHL.