Legionnaires’ disease, (LD), Legionellosis
Legionnaires’ disease, (LD), is the more severe form of legionellosis and is characterised by pneumonia. The illness is caused by Legionella pneumophila and other Legionella species. L.pneumophila,is an ubiquitous aquatic organism that thrives in warm environments (32- 45C).
Transmission: It is transmitted by inhalation of contaminated aerosols from devices such as cooling towers, air conditioning, showers, faucets, and aspiration of contaminated water.
Person-to-person transmission does not occur.
Manifestation: After an incubation period for two to ten days, illness is characterised:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough, which may be dry or may produce sputum.
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea occasionally
- Death occurs in 10%-15% of LD cases
Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis is based on taking blood-tests, urine-tests and x-rays. Treatment with antibiotics is available.
Vaccine: Not available.
Optimal methods for prevention of legionellosis are not known, and source of most sporadic cases is unknown.
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