Legionellosis risk factors

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Risk Factors

Most healthy individuals do not become infected with Legionella bacteria after exposure. Major risk factors that predispose to legionellosis include:

• 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)