LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE – LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILIA
It is caused by a previously unknown family of bacteria. It is not a virus. This distinction is important, because few viral diseases respond to antibiotics, whereas most bacterial diseases do.
Legionella pneumophilia is the name scientists have given it, and there appear to be several closely related strains. This organism is hard to grow and detect.
It is believed to be present in some air-conditioning and humidifier units, in standing water, creek water and in fresh excavations.
The germ appears to spread through the air and be breathed into the lung where it causes infection. Spreading from person to person has not been demonstrated.
Epidemics occur mainly in the summer and autumn, although odd sporadic cases may occur throughout the year.
The disease mainly affects the middle-aged or the elderly, especially those whose resistance is lowered and who can mount little immune response to the infection.
Incubation period varies between two to 10 days, with a mean of six days.
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