What is Legionnaires' Disease?

Posted by Healthfitline On Monday, March 25, 2013
Legionnaires' disease is a multi-system illness that is caused by Legionella bacteria (a gram-negative bacteria known as legionella pneumophila). The bacteria spread through the environment from man-made and naturally occurring water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, hot springs. It then enters the respiratory tract (lungs) through droplets (small drop of a liquid). Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted from one person to another.

Legionnaires' Disease Risk Factors
The following are risk factors that increases the chances of catching legionnaires' disease;
  • People suffering from diseases that weakens the immune system. Such as AIDS, cancer, end renal diseases. 
  • More common in people aged 50 years and above.
  • Smokers
  • Individuals suffering from diabetes.
  • Excessive use of alcohol (alcohol abuse).
  • Suffering from other pulmonary diseases.
Legionnaires' Disease Symptoms
Legionnaires' disease usually affects the lungs (the primary organ of infection). However, it can also affects other organs. The incubation period of the Legionnaire's disease is between 2 to 10 days. On average, symptoms start appearing within 6 day after you have been exposed to legionella bacteria.
 
Initially, Legionnaires' symptoms are similar to flu like and may include;
  • Headache
  • Body malaise
  • Muscles pain and aches
  • Dry cough
As the disease progresses, symptoms becomes more severe and may include;
  • High grade fever of up to 39.4°C (103°F)
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Productive cough
  • Chest pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Multiple organ failure
Legionnaires' Disease Diagnostic Tests
Tests used to diagnose Legionnaires' disease include;
  • History taking
  • Physical examination
  • X- ray
  • Blood tests
  • Culture and other tests used to detect antigen or antibody (urinary antigen). Legionnaire's disease is usually diagnosed after multiple testing since none of the single test is considered completely accurate.
Legionnaires' Disease Treatment and Management
Since Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial infection, various types of macrolides antibiotics are used to treat it. The most commonly type of macrolides antibiotics used is Azithromycin (Zithromax).

Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease
  • The best way to prevent Legionnaires' disease it is to make sure we maintain areas that support the growth of bacteria clean, such as cooling towers.
  • Maintaining domestic water heaters at the required temperature.
  • Removing stagnant water or avoiding situations that can lead to accumulation of stagnant water.
  • Taking care of yourself to avoid getting exposed to Legionnaires' bacteria. 
Labels: Communicable Disease, home, Legionnaires' Disease

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