Legionellosis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Legionellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella.[1] Over 90% of legionellosis cases are caused by Legionella pneumophila, a ubiquitous aquatic organism that thrives in warm environments (25 to 45 °C with an optimum around 35 °C).[2]
Legionellosis takes two distinct forms:Legionnaires' disease is the more severe form of the infection and produces pneumonia.[3] and Pontiac fever is caused by the same bacterium, but produces a milder respiratory illness without pneumonia which resembles acute influenza.[3]
References
- ↑ Ryan KJ, Ray CG (editors) (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed. ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN 0838585299.
- ↑ CDC: Etiologic Agent
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Winn WC Jr (1996). "Legionella". Baron's Medical Microbiology (Baron S et al, eds.) (4th ed. ed.). Univ of Texas Medical Branch. ISBN 0-9631172-1-1.