Legionella is a lung infection caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumophiliaresulting in severe bacterial pneumonia and symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fever, muscle pain, and chest pain.
This infection, known as “legionellosis” or Legionnaires’ disease, is transmitted through inhalation of the bacteria, which can be found in hot, humid environments such as bathtubs and air conditioners.
Read too: Bacterial pneumonia: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
Treatment of infection by Legionella pneumophilia It is carried out by a pulmonologist, normally with the use of antibiotics, and hospitalization and the use of oxygen masks may be necessary, which varies depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Symptoms of infection by Legionella
The main causes of infection Legionella they are:
- Chest pain;
- High fever;
- Dry cough, but may contain blood;
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath;
- Chills;
- Discomfort;
- Headache;
- Vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Symptoms of infection can appear up to 10 days after contact with the bacteria.
Therefore, in the presence of symptoms suggestive of infection, it is important that the person consults a pulmonologist, or a general practitioner, to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment, avoiding the development of serious complications, such as respiratory failure.
What to Legionella cause?
A Legionella causes severe bacterial pneumonia, being one of the main bacteria responsible for community-acquired pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Read too: Pneumonia: what it is, symptoms, types, causes and treatment
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of infection by Legionella It is carried out by a pulmonologist, general practitioner or infectious disease specialist, through the assessment of symptoms, health history and physical examination by listening to breathing with a stethoscope.
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In addition, the doctor must order tests, such as a chest X-ray and sputum test, as well as a complete blood count, which allow the lungs, health status and identification of the bacteria to be assessed. Legionella pneumophilia.
Transmission of Legionella
A Legionella pneumophilia It is transmitted through the inhalation of water particles in the form of an aerosol, which when inhaled, the bacteria can remain and develop in the respiratory system, causing infection.
This bacteria develops easily in hot and humid environments and, therefore, can be found in:
- Still water, especially if there is algae or moss;
- Dirty water tanks;
- Water puddles;
- moist soils;
- Refrigeration systems or air conditioning filters;
- Nebulizers;
- Air humidifiers;
- Saunas ou spas.
Although inhalation is the most common form of contamination, the bacteria can also be acquired by swimming in contaminated rivers, lakes and swimming pools.
This type of infection can happen to anyone, however, it is more common in older people, smokers and/or those who have a weakened immune system due to chronic diseases such as pulmonary emphysema, asthma, diabetes or liver failure, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment of infection by Legionella pneumophilia must be carried out under the guidance of a pulmonologist, general practitioner or infectious disease specialist and may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Thus, the treatment can be carried out in the hospital and the doctor recommends the use of antibiotics, administration of serum directly into the vein and the use of an oxygen mask to promote the person’s breathing.
Antibiotics for Legionella that may be recommended by the doctor are ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, levofloxacin and erythromycin, and their use may be indicated for 7 to 10 days. The length of hospital stay varies depending on the person’s recovery.
In some cases the disease can be cured in 10 days, but in more serious cases, which occur when the patient is old, smokers or has other respiratory diseases and a weakened immune system, it may take longer to cure.
How to prevent infection by Legionella
To prevent infection by Legionella pneumophiliait is recommended:
- Do not take a bath or shower with very hot waterespecially in public places such as gyms or hotels;
- Do not use saunas, hot tubs or jacuzzis which are not cleaned for a long time;
- Take a bath by turning on the tap a little to reduce water pressure;
- Clean filters and air conditioning trays with water and chlorine every 6 months;
- Immerse the shower in a mixture of water and chlorine to disinfect;
- Clean the water tankwhenever necessary.
These precautions are especially indicated in the event of an epidemic due to LegionellaHowever, it is important to avoid all types of standing water and make a habit of cleaning your showers with chlorine regularly.
