Legionnaires Disease
Legionnaires' disease is a common name for one of the several illnesses caused by Legionnaires' disease bacteria Legionnaires' disease are called Legionnaires' disease bacteria. Favorable conditions for LDB growth and amplification. This are widely present at low levels in lakes, streams, rivers, freshwater ponds, and mud. However, the levels of LDB that are found in the natural environment are so low that it is unlikely that an individual will contract the disease from these sources. Domestic plumbing systems, cooling towers, and warm, stagnant water can provide ideal conditions for the growth of the organism. This Disease transmission is most likely to occur Inhalation of aerosols, fine sprays, mists or other microscopic droplets of water contaminated with LDB, providing direct access into the lungs and Aspiration is such as may occur when choking or spontaneously during the drinking, ingesting, swallowing process. This allows oral fluids and particles to by-pass natural gag reflexes and enter into the respiratory tract and lungs instead of the esophagus and stomach. Many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number may be higher. More illness is usually found in the summer and early fall, but it can happen any time of year. Legionella pneumophila belongs to the Legionellaceae family which now includes 48 species and over 70 serogroups of which it is believed that half are susceptible to humans. Legionella organisms are residents of the aquatic environment with rare cases being recorded from soil.
Children have contracted Legionnaires' disease. Most cases have occurred in immunosuppressed children, but a number of immunocompetent children, particularly newborns, have acquired the disease, most often after surgeries, or through the use of legionellae-contaminated ventilators. If conditions are favourable the bacterium may grow creating conditions in which the risk from legionnaires' disease is increased. Some investigators believe that the disease may be acquired also by drinking legionellae-contaminated water, particularly if legionellae aspirated from the water are inhaled before the water enters the stomach. Cases have also been blamed on contact between contaminated water and incisions or skin wounds.The disease is not contagious. Children have contracted Legionnaires' disease. Most cases have occurred in immunosuppressed children, but a number of immunocompetent children, particularly newborns, have acquired the disease, most often after surgeries, or through the use of legionellae-contaminated ventilators.
Causes of Legionnaires Disease
Common causes of Legionnaires Disease
- Legionella Bacteria.
- Non-epidemic.
- Community-acquired.
- Pneumonia.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
Symptoms of Legionnaires Disease
Common symptoms of Legionnaires Disease
- Chills.
- Headaches.
- Muscle pain.
- Delirious.
- High temperature.
- Cough.
- Muscle aches.
- Headache.
- Chills.
- Tiredness.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Loss of memory.
Treatment of Legionnaires Disease
Common Treatment of Legionnaires Disease
- Treatments of choice are the respiratory tract quinolones and newer macrolides.Erythromycin and Azithromycin some antibiotics used most frequently have been levofloxacin and azithromycin. Macrolides are used in all age groups while tetracyclines are prescribed for children above the age of 12 and quinolones above the age of 18.
- Legionnaires' disease may be suspected from the clinical features that seem typical of Legionella pneumonia. These features include diarrhea and symptoms attributable to the central nervous system, particularly confusion and loss of memory.
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