What is Microbiology - Legionella Pneumophila Infection

​Legionella pneumophila infection 

Legionella pneumophila is a gram negative rod. Legionella pneumophila may require special media for growth such as media which is rich in iron and cysteine levels.

Legionella penumophila infection may cause Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. 
Legionnaires’ disease may present with multifocal necrotizing atypical pneumonia, dry cough and fever.

Pontiac fever may present with influenza forms of illness. Legionnaires’ disease is more severe than pontiac fever. 

The pulmonary system may be damaged due to the action of the host inflammatory response. 

Patient who suffers from legionella pneumophila infection may be treated with antibiotic such as tetracycline, levofloxacin, erythromycin and azithromycin.

The common virulence factors for legionella pneumophila may include endotoxin cell wall and the potential to survive in alveolar macrophages. 

Legionella penumophila will contaminate the sources of water such as air conditioning system, hospital showers or device used in inhalation therapy. Legionella pneumophila can be prevented by hyperchlorination of the water. 

The common mode of transmission is via inhalation of the bacteria infected aerosol. 

Legionella pneumophila can be detected via culture, antigen testing and direct microscopic examination with Dieterle silver stain.