infectious diseases
Legionella Infections
Key Points
L. pneumophilausually causes pulmonary infection; it rarely causes extrapulmonary infections (most often involving the heart). L. pneumophilainfection is typically acquired by inhaling aerosols (or less often by aspiration) of contaminated water; it is not transmitted from person to person. Diagnose using direct fluorescent antibody staining or polymerase chain reaction testing; sputum cultures are accurate but may take 3 to 5 days. Treat using a fluoroquinolone orazithromycin;doxycyclineis an alternative. 