Pathogens
Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila

Precautions

Standard Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

Gram negative bacilli

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

Occurs in outbreaks.

Person-to-person transmission not documented.

Legionella pneumophila is a rare cause of community-acquired pneumonia but can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality if unrecognized or improperly treated. Risk factors include immunocompromised patient, smoking, co-morbidities.

Given that Legionella pneumophila is difficult to detect in culture, a Legionella urinary antigen or PCR testing can assist in diagnosis.