Legionella Pneumophila / Legionnaire's Flashcards
1
Q
What are the two types of legionella infections
A
- Pontiac fever
- Legionnaire’s fever
2
Q
Symptoms of Pontiac fever x5
A
Dry cough Malaise Headache Fever GI problems
3
Q
Outbreaks of legionella pneumophila x4
A
Water coolers
Circulating water droplets
Warm water baths
Decorative fountains
4
Q
Incubation period of legionella infection
A
2-10 days
5
Q
Symptoms of legionella infections
A
Cough Fever Sweats Loss of aperture Headache General pains Yellow/green sputum stained with blood Tight chest, Breathlessness, sharp pain in side of chest Possibly confusion and diarrhoea
6
Q
Diagnosis of legionella x3
A
Culturing
Direct antibody test
rRNA identification
7
Q
Treatment of legionella for pneumonia and Pontiac fever
A
Pneumonia: erythromycin, Azithromycin
Pontiac fever: not treated
8
Q
Control of legionella x3
A
Clean water systems
Monitor hot water systems
Keep hot water abv 50degs as bacteria thrive 20-45deg
9
Q
Properties of L. Pneumophila x6
A
- gram neg bacteria
- facultative intracellular parasite
- slender unencapsulated rods
- cocco-bacillary appearance
- strict aerobes
- fastidious
