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