Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Legionnaire disease

Legionella pneumonia; Pontiac fever; Legionellosis

 

Legionnaire disease is an infection of the lungs and airways. It is caused by Legionella bacteria.

Causes

 

The bacteria that cause Legionnaire disease have been found in water delivery systems. They can survive in the warm, moist air conditioning systems of large buildings, including hospitals.

Most cases are caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophila . The rest of the cases are caused by other Legionella species.

Spread of the bacteria from person to person has not been proven.

Most infections occur in middle-aged or older people. In rare cases, children can get the infection. When they do, the disease is less severe.

Risk factors include:

  • Alcohol abuse
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Chronic illnesses, such as kidney failure or diabetes
  • Long-term (chronic) lung disease, such as COPD
  • Long-term use of a breathing machine (ventilator)
  • Medicines that suppress the immune system, including chemotherapy and steroid drugs
  • Older age

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms tend to get worse during the first 4 to 6 days. They most often improve in another 4 to 5 days.

Symptoms may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Cough that does not produce much sputum or mucus (dry cough)
  • Coughing up blood
  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
  • Fever, shaking chills
  • General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling ( malaise )
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of energy
  • Muscle aches and stiffness
  • Problems with balance
  • Shortness of breath

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Abnormal sounds called crackles may be heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Arterial blood gases
  • Blood cultures
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Chest x-ray
  • Complete blood count ( CBC ), including white blood cell count
  • ESR (sed rate)
  • Liver blood tests
  • Tests and cultures on sputum to identify the Legionella bacteria
  • Urine tests to check for Legionella pneumophila bacteria

 

Treatment

 

Antibiotics are used to fight the infection. Treatment is started as soon as Legionnaire disease is suspected, without waiting for results of any lab test.

Other treatments may include receiving:

  • Fluids through a vein (IV)
  • Oxygen, which is given through a mask or breathing machine

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Legionnaire disease can be life-threatening. The risk of dying is higher in people who:

  • Have chronic diseases
  • Become infected while in the hospital
  • Are elderly

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have any type of breathing problem.

 

 

References

Edelstein PH, Roy CR. Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 234.

Marrie TJ. Legionella infections. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 314.

 
  • Legionnaires' disease organism, legionella - illustration

    Legionnaire's disease was first described in 1976 after an outbreak of fatal pneumonia at a Legionnaires convention. The newly described organism which caused the disease was named Legionella pneumophila, shown in this picture. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

    Legionnaires' disease organism, legionella

    illustration

    • Legionnaires' disease organism, legionella - illustration

      Legionnaire's disease was first described in 1976 after an outbreak of fatal pneumonia at a Legionnaires convention. The newly described organism which caused the disease was named Legionella pneumophila, shown in this picture. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

      Legionnaires' disease organism, legionella

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Legionnaire disease

           

             

            Review Date: 2/2/2015

            Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

            The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

             
             
             

             

             

            A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



            Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.