Leigonnaire’s Disease

Question 1

What is legionellosis?

Answer 1

Collection of conditions caused by Legionella bacteria

Question 2

What is the gram stain of Legionella bacteria?

Answer 2

Gram negative bacilli

Question 3

What is the causative organism of Legionnaire’s disease?

Answer 3

Legionella pneumophilia

Question 4

Most likely place of infection for Legionnaire’s disease
Examples

Answer 4

Where water is at a temp. high enough to help bacteria grow
e.g. poorly maintained shower system, AC unit

Question 5

Mode of transmission of Legionella pneumophilia

Answer 5

Inhalation of infected water droplets

Question 6

Incubation of legionnaire’s disease

Answer 6

2-10 days

Question 7

Initial signs + symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease

Answer 7

Headache
Muscle/chest pain
Chills
Fever >40°

Question 8

Progressive signs and symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease

Answer 8

Bad cough which doesn’t go away
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Confusion
Feverish + shivery

Question 9

Treatment of Legionnaire’s disease

Answer 9

Antibiotics
Oral clarithromyin
fluoroquinolones

Question 10

What other condition does Legionnaire’s disease commonly present similar signs + symptoms to?

Answer 10

Pneumonia

Question 11

Location of Legionnaire’s disease

Answer 11

Lung infection

Question 12

What is Legionella pneumophilia and what does it cause?

Answer 12

Gram negative bacilli - flagellated
Causes Leigonnaire’s disease