Legionnaires’ Disease Flashcards
What is legionnaires’ disease?
It is a type of lung infection.
What is legionnaires’ disease caused by?
Legionella pneumophilia.
What is the gram stain for legionella pneumophilia?
It is a gram negative bacilli with flagella.
How is legionaries’ disease spread?
Air droplet transmission - often seen with ACs and hot tubs.
What is the treatment for legionnaires’ disease?
Supportive = oxygen and antipyretics.
Specific = oral clarithromycin or fluoroquinalones.
How does clarithromycin work?
Protein synthesis inhibitor.
How does legionella pneumophilia cause symptoms?
It replicates in the lungs, utilising the heat shock protein 60 to do this.
What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?
Cough.
Shortness of breath.
Severe chest pain.
High temperatures with cold shivers.
What complication can legionella pneumophilia cause?
It can cause lobar pneumonia.
