Pathogens
Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila

Precautions

Standard Precautions

Susceptibilities

General Information

Fluoroquinolone

  • Aerobic small Gram-negative bacillus
  • Special culture media required- contact lab if suspected
  • Reservoir is water. Aerosolization by cooling towers, spas, shower heads, etc
  • Occurs in outbreaks
  • Person-to-person transmission not documented
  • Pneumonia (Legionnaires disease): a rare but severe respiratory illness, usually requiring critical care
  • Pontiac fever (Self-limited febrile illness)

Legionella urinary antigen testing can be performed on request for severe pneumonia