GC: n
S: NIHH – http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/june2011/06272011legionnaires.htm (last access: 30 October 2014); HSE – http://www.hseni.gov.uk/hsg274_legionella_technical_guidance_part3.pdf (last access: 30 October 2014).
N: 1. n. legio -onis, a body of soldiers, legion; L. fem. dim. ending -ella; N.L. fem. n. Legionella, small legion or army.
2. Legionellosis is a disease caused by infection with Legionella pneumophila, including legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. The bacteria don’t spread from person to person.
3. The bacterium got its name after a 1976 outbreak, when many people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from this disease, a type of pneumonia (lung infection).
4. Legionella is a genus of gram-negative, aerobic rod-shaped bacteria that require cysteine and iron for growth. Their normal habitat is lakes, streams, and moist soil, but they have also been found as contaminants in human habitations, where they can cause legionellosis, a peneumonialike disease spread by the airborne route.
5. Legionellosis is a collection of infections that emerged in the second half of the 20th century, and they are caused by Legionella pneumophila and related Legionella bacteria. The severity of legionellosis varies from mild febrile illness (Pontiac fever) to a potentially fatal form of pneumonia (Legionnaires’ disease) that can affect anyone, but principally affects those who are susceptible due to age, illness, immunosuppression or other risk factors, such as smoking. Water is the major natural reservoir for legionellae, and the bacteria are found worldwide in many different natural and artificial aquatic environments, such as cooling towers; water systems in hotels, homes, ships and factories; respiratory therapy equipment; fountains; misting devices; and spa pools.
6. Although Legionella is a well-recognized problem in developed nations, data are scarce from developing countries. Since risk environments and susceptible populations are found worldwide, it is likely that the problem of Legionella is under-appreciated in developing countries.
S: 1. LPSN: http://www.bacterio.net/legionella.html (last access: 30 October 2014). 2. TERMIUMPLUS; MYCLINIC: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/legionnaires-disease/basics/definition/con-20028867 (last access: 30 October 2014); MEDLP – http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/legionnairesdisease.html (last access: 30 October 2014). 3. CDC – http://www.cdc.gov/legionella/about/history.html (last access: 30 October 2014).
4. DORLAND p.1017. 4. WHO – http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emerging/legionella.pdf, p.V (last access: 30 October 2014). 5. WHO – http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emerging/legionella.pdf, p.XXI (last access: 30 October 2014).
SYN: Legionnaires’ disease, Pontiac Fever.
S: MYCLINIC – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/legionnaires-disease/basics/definition/con-20028867 (last access: 30 October 2014); WHO – http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emerging/legionella.pdf (last access: 30 October 2014); MEDPL – http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/legionnairesdisease.html (last access: 30 October 2014).
CR: bacteria, legionella, pneumonia.
