Legionellosis risk factors
Legionellosis Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
---|
Treatment |
Case Studies |
Legionellosis risk factors On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Legionellosis risk factors |
Risk calculators and risk factors for Legionellosis risk factors |
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. Exposures are common among travelers, individuals who use or maintain whirlpool spas, and individuals who have recently had maintenance work their plumbing.
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