Legionella Symptoms Explained
Legionnaires' disease, commonly known as legionella, is a bacterial infection that can be fatal. It is a form of pneumonia caused by an aquatic bacteria called legionella pneumophila. In this article, we will tell you about Legionella and Legionella Symptoms. You should know that Legionella bacteria is a threat to most of us. It does not cause just the potentially fatal Legionnaires' disease. It is also responsible for other severe diseases such as Pontiac fever and aero-toxic syndrome.
source: Diatheva
What is Legionella?
Legionella disease is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria found in the environment, typically in water. The most common form of the disease is legionnaires' disease, which is contracted by breathing in a mist or vapor that contains legionella bacteria. Less common forms of the disease are Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. There are over 50 different species of legionella bacteria, but the most common one that can cause infection in humans is called legionella pneumophila. It was first discovered in 1976 and was named after the American Legion convention, where many people got sick or died.
Causes:
The bacteria that causes Legionella disease is found naturally in freshwater environments like lakes and streams. Still, it can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in human-made water systems—for example, cooling towers, hot tubs, large plumbing systems, or decorative fountains. Humans contract the disease by breathing in mist or vapor (aerosols) contaminated with the bacteria.
Some people are at greater risk for infection because their immune systems are weaker than healthy adults. This includes people who are over 50 years old; current or former smokers; people with chronic lung disease, such as COPD; people with weakened immune systems from an organ transplant or certain diseases like cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure; and people taking certain kinds of medicine (like corticosteroids or chemotherapy).
Legionella Symptoms:
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory illness. It can cause pneumonia, and if left untreated, it can lead to death.
The legionella symptoms include:
-A cough that may produce mucus and sometimes blood
-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
-High fever
-Chills
-Muscle aches
If left untreated, the infection may worsen. Within the first week, infected people may develop additional symptoms such as coughing up green phlegm and being short of breath. When they breathe, they may have chest discomfort.
Some Legionnaires' disease patients have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal (tummy) soreness. Almost half of the patients have nervous system diseases such as confusion, delirium, depression, disorientation, and hallucinations.
Although Legionella symptoms develop 2 to 10 days after bacterial infection, an incubation period of up to 16 days has been reported in certain cases. It is thus advised that anybody exposed to Legionella bacteria watch oneself for symptoms for about two weeks following exposure. Always consult a doctor if you suspect Legionella symptoms.
He will ask about your symptoms and health history. You'll also likely undergo a chest X-ray and/or CT scan to look for signs of pneumonia. Your doctor may also take a sample of fluid from your lungs to test for the presence of legionella bacteria.
Images from computed CT of Legionella patients
source: Research Gate
Legionella long term symptoms and effects:
Legionella symptoms can be deadly in extreme circumstances. Respiratory failure, shock, and acute renal and multiorgan failure are major problems. Other neurological abnormalities from a severe infection include persistent cerebellar dysfunction, retrograde amnesia, and other nervous system diseases.
Although most patients will recover without complications following treatment, some may face long-term complications such as residual pulmonary scars and restrictive pulmonary disease in severe respiratory failure patients. In severe cases, nonspecific secondary symptoms such as weakness, impaired memory, and exhaustion may continue for several months.
Conclusion:
Although Legionnaire's Disease is a relatively rare condition, it can be deadly. Identifying an outbreak as early as possible is vital to controlling it. Furthermore, finding out what caused the outbreak may help prevent future outbreaks. The above-mentioned Legionella symptoms, by no means, constitute a complete list of all possible symptoms. But they should increase the odds of correctly identifying this disease in those suffering from it.
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