What is Legionella?

The Legionella organism is a gram negative, rod shaped bacterium that can cause pneumonia (Legionnaires' Disease) or a flu like illness (Pontiac fever). It was first identified and recognized as causing disease during the outbreak that occurred in conjunction with the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia in 1976. There are over 40 species of Legionella and 18 of those can cause disease. It is estimated that the species Legionella pneumophila causes most of the infections.

Legionella is a fastidious organism, meaning it has specific growth requirements that need to be met in order for it to survive and grow. Some of these growth requirements are:

1. Temperature above 68° F
2. Iron
3. L Cysteine
4. Biofilm (particularly protozoans)

Unlike some other bacteria, it can survive at lower dissolved oxygen levels and is somewhat resistant to chlorine disinfection. Particular copper and silver ion concentrations can kill the bacterium. Certain plastics and organics can provide nutrients for growth. These attributes make our modern day plumbing systems a good habitat for the organism.

EMSL Westmont, NJ, Manhattan, and Houston TX pass the CDC Legionella Testing Proficiency Program

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CDC Turns to EMSL Analytical Inc.for Assistance in Legionella Research

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Latest Article

An Overview of Legionella Analyses

By Diane Miskowski, MPH EMSL Analytical, Inc.

The first recognized outbreak of Legionnnaires' Disease occurred in the US at the American Legion Convention in Philadelphia during the summer of 1976. read more...

Additional Resources

For additional information please click the links below.

Legionnaires' Disease
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
Cooling Technology Institute
more resources...

Legionella images courtesy of CDC, Public Health Image Library (PHIL)