infections
Legionella Infections
Introduction
 infections are caused by the Overview of Gram-Negative Bacteria and most often affect the lungs, causing pneumonia and flu-like symptoms. The infection is often acquired by inhaling contaminated water droplets, as may be sprayed from shower heads or air-conditioning systems. People have fever, chills, and muscle aches, and breathing may be difficult and painful. Doctors identify the infection by analyzing samples of sputum, fluids from the lungs, or urine. Antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, can effectively treat legionnaires' disease. (See also Overview of Bacteria .) bacteria was first identified in 1976 when there was a large outbreak of fatal Overview of Pneumonia at a convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Thus, the infection was called legionnaires’ disease. The following increase the risk of getting aLegionellainfection: A weakened immune system Diabetes Mellitus (DM) None A chronic lung disorder such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (COPD) Cigarette smoking Older age Legionellabacteria are often present in soil and fresh water. Fresh water containing these bacteria may enter a building's plumbing system. Thus, aLegionellaoutbreak often begins in a building’s water supply. In such cases, people usually get the infection by inhaling contaminated water droplets that have been sprayed from shower heads, misters, decorative fountains, whirlpool baths, or water cooling towers for air-conditioning. Legionnaires' disease is not spread from person to person. Legionellabacteria usually infect the lungs, causing legionnaires' disease. Sometimes the bacteria affect only the upper respiratory tract and do not cause pneumonia. This infection is called Pontiac fever and is milder than legionnaires' disease. Rarely, these bacteria can also infect other areas of the body, mainly in people with a weakened immune system or a serious illness. The heart is most commonly affected, but the brain and spinal cord, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and intestines can also be affected. 