Legionellosis is an infectious disease caused by an aerobic Gram-negative bacterium, of the legionella type. There are usually two ways that this disease occurs: one is lighter that tends to have a cure, known as Pontiac fever. And another that is the most serious, which continues with the affectation of the respiratory tract and the lungs, although it can also involve other organs, this is known more as Legionnaires' disease.
However, this condition usually flourishes as an isolated issue, as it is not officially associated with any recognized outbreak or pandemic. The epidemic usually arises in the summer or early fall, but incidents can occur throughout the year.
Those affected with legionellosis usually suffer from chills, fever and cough, which can be runny or dry. Occasional patients also have headaches, muscle aches, exhaustion, loss of appetite, and occasionally diarrhea. The laboratory tests show that the kidneys of these patients do not work the right way. In addition, chest x-rays are performed where the presence of pneumonia is constantly reflected. It is quite difficult to differentiate Legionnaires' disease from other kinds of pneumonia solely on the basis of symptoms; Other tests are necessary to make a diagnosis.
The treatment applied for this disease includes the administration of antibiotics, such as levofloxacin and erythromycin, these are the drugs that are currently recommended to treat this disease in people who suffer from it. In the most severe situations, a second associated drug such as rifampin could be used. There are also a variety of medicinal substances available for patients who are allergic to erythromycin.
Studies and analyzes carried out to prevent Legionellosis disease found that proper maintenance and renewed design of all water management systems, especially hot sanitary water, help to restrict the rise and spread of water. Legionella microorganism. Legionella is very weak at high doses of chlorine.
