Pathogens
Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila

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