Legionellosis
- Slovak term: Slovenský termín
- Generic term used to describe infections caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophilia which range in severity from a mild, febrile illness (pontiac fever) to a rapid and potentially fatal pneumonia (Legionnaire's disease) (WHO 2007).
Explanation
Water is the major natural reservoir for legionellae and the bacteria are found worldwide in many different natural and artificial aquatic environments and ranges of environmental conditions such as: cooling towers; water systems in hotels, homes, ships and factories; respiratory therapy equipment; fountains; misting devices; and spa pools (WHO 2007).
Example
In 1976, an outbreak of severe pneumonia among the participants of the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia led to the description of Legionnaires’ disease by Fraser et al. (1977). The disease was found to be caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila (Legionella after the legionnaires who were infected at the convention; pneumophila meaning “lungloving”), belonging to the family Legionellaceae.
References
- WHO (2007) Legionella and the prevention of legionellosis.
- Fraser D et al. (1977) Legionnaires’ disease: description of an epidemic of pneumonia. New England Journal of Medicine, 297(22): 1189–1197.
