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Legionnaires’ Disease

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

  • Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria.
  • It mainly affects the lungs but can become life-threatening if untreated.

Causes of Legionnaires’ Disease

  • Caused by Legionella bacteria (commonly Legionella pneumophila).
  • Spread by inhaling tiny water droplets (mist) containing the bacteria.

Types of Infection

  • Legionnaires’ disease → severe pneumonia
  • Pontiac fever → mild, flu-like illness (no lung infection)

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease

  • Early symptoms
    • Fever (can be high)
    • Headache
    • Muscle aches
  • Later symptoms
    • Cough (may produce mucus or blood)
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest pain

Complications of Legionnaires’ Disease

  • Respiratory (lung) failure
  • Septic shock
  • Kidney failure
  • Death (around 1 in 10 cases)

Diagnosis of Legionnaires’ Disease

  • Chest X-ray (to detect pneumonia)
  • Urine test for Legionella
  • Sputum/lung sample testing

Treatment of Legionnaires’ Disease

  • Antibiotics (main treatment)
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