Legionnaires' disease is a rare but serious lung infection caused by a bacterium. Antibiotics have saved many lives and research continues to develop new antibiotics. Genetic research should lead to more effective treatments.
Disease: Legionnaires' Disease
Last update: June 2006
Intro
FAQ
-
What is it?
Legionnaires' disease is a rare but serious infection with a bacterium called Legionella pneumophila which is found in warm water supplies such as air conditioning plants. People may be infected by breathing in the bacterium in droplets in the air from a shower or an area with air conditioning, for example. The disease mainly affects the lungs (pneumonia) but may also spread into other organs. The bacterium destroys white blood cells called macrophages. -
Who gets it?
It most commonly affects smokers or people with other chest problems. Cases occur without warning, mostly in late summer or early autumn. In 2003, there were 632 cases in Europe. In the US, there are some 12,000 cases per year. Legionnaires' disease kills between ten and twenty per cent of its victims. -
What can be done about it?
Patients need high doses of antibiotics in an intensive care unit. Pharmaceutical research has resulted in different classes of antibiotics which have saved many lives. -
What does the future hold?
Active research is underway into new antibiotic treatments. The bacterium is being intensively studied to find out how it survives in man and to develop compounds which can kill it when it is in water.
In 2004, the genetic sequence for the bacterium has been identified. It is hoped that this will lead to the development of novel medicines and vaccines.