Legionnaire's disease

Legionnaire's disease is an acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila , which can cause a broad spectrum of disease from mild cough and fever to a serious pneumonia . Two distinct illnesses, Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever, have been associated with the Legionella species. The disease came to be known as Legionnaires' disease, or legionellosis in 1976. Over 40 different strains of the Legionella germ have now been discovered. They may also occur as single cases in which the source of the germs is uncertain. Although rare, recent studies have shown the bacteria is also found in potting soil. Legionnaires' does not appear to be spread from person to person. Pontiac fever is a mild, non-pneumonia influenza-like illness. It is not clear why the same causal agent can produce two distinct illnesses. It usually affects middle-aged or elderly people and it more commonly affects smokers or people with other chest problems. The bacteria live naturally in environmental water sources but if they get into water systems in buildings they can cause a risk to humans through air conditioning systems or through contaminated water systems used for showers etc. Control and prevention of the disease is through treatment of the source of infection i.e. contaminated water systems .

Legionnaires' disease is an uncommon form of pneumonia that may have serious consequences for some people, especially people in the older age groups. Most often, people develop Legionnaires' disease after they inhale bacteria now called legionella, which flourish in large air conditioning systems, showers, whirlpool spas and in some cases, potting soil. It's not entirely clear why some people exposed to the bacteria become sick and others don't, although older adults, smokers and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Legionnaires' is treated with antibiotics, such as Erythromycin. Other drugs are available for patients who cannot take Erythromycin. In severe cases, a second drug, Rifampin, may also be used. About half the cases of legionnaires' disease are caught abroad. The other half are the result of infections acquired in the UK. About three-quarters of all British cases occur as isolated instances rather than as epidemics . In most of these cases the source of the germs is not found. Thorough maintenance and treatment of air and water delivery systems can reduce outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease.

Causes of Legionnaire's disease

The comman Causes of Legionnaire's disease :

• Breathing water vapor from a standing water source that contains Legionella bacterium into the lungs
• Re-circulating water in air-conditioning and cooling systems,
• Breathing dust from soil containing Legionella bacterium into the lungs
• Whirlpool spas and other warm-water baths,
• Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person.
• Smoking .

Symptoms of Legionnaire's disease

Some comman Symptoms of Legionnaire's disease :

• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling ( malaise ).
• Headache; and leading on to.
• Cough;
• Headache.
• Fever.
• Muscle aches and pains.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Dry cough.
• Joint pain.
• Nonproductive cough.
• Diarrhoea and signs of mental confusion.

Treatment of Legionnaire's disease

• Legionnaire's disease is usually treated with antibiotics.
• Supportive treatment includes hospitalization for fluid and electrolyte replacement and oxygen administration by mask or by mechanical ventilation, if the respiratory system becomes severely compromised by the infection.
• The sooner therapy is started, the less likely the chance of serious complications or death.
• The antibiotic commonly used is quinolone (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or gatifloxacin) or a macrolide (azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin).
• Quinolones, macrolides (such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin), or tetracycline are commonly prescribed.

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