Legionella Overview
Legionnaires' disease (the most severe form of Legionellosis) is a form of pneumonia that is caused by inhalation or aspiration of bacteria that belong to the family Legionellaceae. This family includes 48 species and 70 serogroups. Legionellosis is most commonly linked to exposure to Legionella pneumophila, however, other species (i.e., L. micdadei, L. anisa ) can cause the disease as well. The name Legionella pneumophila was coined after the original outbreak of the disease at the American Legion convention in Philadelphia in 1976. L. pneumophila has many sub-groups called serotypes. L. pneumophila serotype 1 and 6 are commonly associated with Legionnaires disease.
Ecology
Legionella are commonly found in aquatic environments and some species have been found in soil. The organisms are found in a wide range of environmental conditions and are relatively resistant to low pH, dissolved oxygen levels, and routine chlorination techniques for drinking water. Temperatures above 104° F promote rapid multiplication of the organism. The organisms are consistently found in the biofilm that forms in aquatic environments, cooling towers and potable water systems.
Epidemiology
The risk factors for Legionellosis in decreasing order of importance are heavy smoking, chronic lung disease, the elderly, and the immunosuppressed. A recent study has documented 76 cases of pediatric Legionellosis in children under 1 year of age or children with underlying medical conditions such as malignancy or immunosuppression. Legionellosis is not contagious; there is no evidence that the disease can be transmitted from person to person. Exposure must be thru inhalation or aspiration of contaminated, aerosolized water. Once a person has Legionnaires' disease, getting it a second time is extremely rare.
Monitoring Guidelines
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends routine monitoring for Legionella in all bone marrow and organ transplant hospitals nationwide. Routine monitoring in healthcare facilities is recommended or required in several states such as NY, TX, MD, Los Angeles County and Allegheny County PA. Canada has guidelines for monitoring healthcare facilities. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends routine monitoring of building water supply systems.
Legionellaceae are ubiquitous in fresh water and estuarine environments. Most outbreaks of disease are due to Legionella found in contaminated water and biofilm found in potable water distribution systems, whirlpool spas, and cooling towers. Transmission occurs from contaminated water that becomes aerosolized and inhaled by a susceptible host. We have a variety of different test methods depending upon the information you need:
Pricing & Information
Northeast:
Anthony DeRosa Email: ADeRosa@EMSL.com 1-800-220-3675 ext. 2581
Gillian Egiazarov Email: GEgiazarov@EMSL.com 1-800-220-3675 ext. 2574
Midwest:
Gillian Egiazarov Email: GEgiazarov@EMSL.com 1-800-220-3675 ext. 2574
Jay Rucker Email: JRucker@EMSL.com 1-888-958-8170 ext. 3422
South:
Natalie Murphy Email: nmurphy@EMSL.com 856-303-3430
Jay Rucker Email: JRucker@EMSL.com 1-888-958-8170 ext. 3422
West:
Callum McMillan Email: CMcMillan@EMSL.com 1-866-798-1089 ext. 3440
Stefan Wiersgalla Email: Swiersgalla@EMSL.com 1-866-798-1089 ext. 3430
Questions:
Christopher Goulah, Ph.D.
Email: CGoulah@EMSL.com
Phone: (716) 989-5138
Legionella Pocket Guide
Legionella Sampling Location Guide
CDC and ISO 11731 Legionella Methods Comparison
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