Legionnaire's disease is a form of pneumonia, or lung infection. It got its name after the disease struck at the American Legionnaires Convention in 1976.
Legionnaire's disease is caused by the bacterium
Legionella pneumophilia. The bacteria are most often found in sources of standing water, such as cooling towers, HVAC systems, and air conditioners, as well as in soil.
Legionnaire's disease can be contracted by:
-
Breathing water vapor from a standing water source that contains
Legionella
bacteria into the lungs
-
Breathing dust from soil containing
Legionella
bacteria into the lungs
Person-to-person transmission does not occur.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for Legionnaire's disease include:
- Advanced age
- Sex: male
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Chronic lung disease
-
Weakened immune system (as with
AIDS)
- People with kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Taking cortisone or other immunosuppressive drugs
- Organ transplant patients
- Working with soil, especially newly tilled soil or potting soil
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever (often high)
- Chills and muscle aches
- Dry cough
- Chest pain with coughing or breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
Symptoms that develop if the infection becomes serious include:
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Mental problems, confusion, or memory loss
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include:
-
Blood tests—These tests look for high or rising antibodies to
Legionella
bacteria.
- Sputum tests—The mucus from deep inside your lungs is stained or cultured, in an effort to identify the cause of the infection.
-
Kidney function tests—Poor kidney function is often seen in
Legionella
infected patients.
-
Urine tests—These tests check for
Legionella
proteins in the urine.
- Chest x-ray—X-rays help diagnose pneumonia or lung infection.
Legionnaire's disease is usually treated with antibiotics. Quinolones, macrolides (such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin), or tetracycline are commonly prescribed. In severe cases, a drug called rifampin may be given. Initial therapy may be given by vein.
Proper design, maintenance, and cleaning of standing water sources, such cooling towers, plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and air conditioners, can reduce the risk of spreading Legionnaire's disease.
You can reduce your risk of getting Legionnaire's disease by:
- Not smoking
- Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
-
If you work with freshly tilled soil or potting soil:
- Wear gloves and a mask.
- Don't inhale dust from the soil.
- Moisten the soil to lower the amount of dust.
Last reviewed October 2007 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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