Legionellosis risk factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Legionellosis is uncommon among healthy individuals. Major risk factors in addition to exposure to Legionella include old age, smoking, and a weakened immune system.
Risk Factors
Most healthy individuals do not become infected with Legionella bacteria after exposure. Major risk factors that predispose to legionellosis include:[1]
- Age (usually 50 years or older)
- Recent travel with an overnight stay outside of the home
- Current or former smokers
- Exposure to whirlpool spas
- Recent repairs or maintenance work on domestic plumbing
- Chronic lung disease (namely COPD or emphysema)
- Weakened immune system from diseases like cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure
- Immunosuppressive drug therapy (post-transplant or chemotherapy)
References
- ↑ Top 10 Things Every Clinician Needs to Know About Legionellosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed on August 5, 2015. http://www.cdc.gov/legionella/clinicians.html