TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Legionella Infections A1 - Pergam, Steven A. A1 - Hawn, Thomas R. A2 - Loscalzo, Joseph A2 - Fauci, Anthony A2 - Kasper, Dennis A2 - Hauser, Stephen A2 - Longo, Dan A2 - Jameson, J. Larry PY - 2022 T2 - Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21e AB - Bacteria of Legionella species cause two primary human diseases: Legionella pneumonia (often referred to as Legionnaires’ disease) and Pontiac fever; collectively, these diseases are referred to as legionellosis. Legionnaires’ disease was first described in 1976 in an outbreak among members of the American Legion participating in a conference at a hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since their original description, Legionella-related infections have increased in frequency throughout the world as techniques to diagnose them have improved, clinical awareness has increased, cities have grown, and water systems have both aged and become more complex. Most cases of legionellosis are linked to waterborne exposures. These infections can be either sporadic or due to common-source community or nosocomial exposures. Outbreaks of legionellosis are well described. After exposure, legionellosis occurs primarily among persons with risk factors for disease, including older adults and those with primary organ dysfunction, immunocompromise, or other chronic illnesses. Clinical awareness is important, as the similarity of signs and symptoms of legionellosis to those of other respiratory illnesses can lead to delayed treatment. Despite appropriate therapy, Legionella pneumonia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/18 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1198221229 ER -