Legionnaires' Disease, Legionellosis
Legionnaires’ Disease, Legionellosis
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of severe form of lung inflammation result from infection. Major causative organism is legionella bacteria. Infection can occur by inhaling bacteria in soil or water or by smoking. Pontiac fever is milder condition resembling flu is also caused by legionella bacterium.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Headaches and muscle aches
- 104°C fever or higher
- Productive cough
- Breathing difficulties
- Chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal disturbance
- Confusion or mental illness
Causes
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by bacterium Legionella pneumophila which is present in soil and water. People can get this disease from home plumbing as most of the outbreaks occur in large buildings.
Complications
Some major complications are as under:
- Respiratory failure
- Septic shock
- Acute renal failure
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition occur by detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Chest xray
- Test on the sputum or lung tissues
- Lumber puncture
Treatment
This condition is treated with antibiotics. Serious complications can be avoided by starting the therapy sooner.