Pathogens
Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila

Precautions

Standard Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

Aerobic small gram negative bacillus

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

Occurs in outbreaks.

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

Consider Infectious Disease consultation to assist in evaluation, management of patients and infection control measures

Disease of Public Health Significance