International Journal of Nursing Education and Research

  • Year: 2018
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue: 4

Legionnaires ’Disease

1Asso. Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, Ganga Sheel School of Nursing, Bareilly, U.P

2Asst. Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Ganga Sheel School of Nursing, Bareilly, U.P

Abstract

Legionnaires ’disease is a form of atypical pneumonia caused by any type of Legionella bacteria. The bacterium is found naturally in fresh water.[4] It can contaminate hot water tanks, hot tubs, and cooling towers of large air conditioners.[4] It is usually spread by breathing in mist that contains the bacteria.[4] It can also occur when contaminated water is aspirated.[4] It typically does not spread directly between people and most people who are exposed do not become infected.[4] Risk factors for infection include older age, history of smoking, chronic lung disease, and poor immune function.[5] There is still a low level of clinical awareness regarding Legionnaires ’disease 25 years after it was first detected.

Keywords

Legionella bacteria, Relative bradycardia, Pontiac fever, pneumonia