Legionella pneumonia

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

Pneumonia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Pneumonia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnostic Algorithm
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
Other Imaging Findings
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Legionella pneumonia On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Legionella pneumonia All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Legionella pneumonia
CDC onLegionella pneumonia
Legionella pneumonia in the news
Blogs on Legionella pneumonia
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pneumonia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Legionella pneumonia

Overview

Legionella is a common cause of both health care associated pneumonia, and community acquired pneumonia.

Historical perspective

• The organism was first recognized in mid 90s during an outbreak at an American Legion Convention in Philadelphia.

Clinical types

Legionellosis comprises of two clinical syndromes caused by Legionella:

• Legionnaires' disease is the pneumonia caused by Legionella.
• Pontiac fever is an acute, febrile, self-limited illness caused by Legionella.

History and symptoms

• Incubation period 2 days to 2 weeks.
• Productive / Non-productive cough.
• Fever and chills.
• Blood-streaked sputum however, frank hemoptysis is rare.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Lethargy, myalgia, arthralgia, headache and stupor.