Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' disease is an acute infectious disease caused by the gram-negative bacteria Legionella pneumophila. The disease was first noted in 1954 among participants at the American Legionnaires' convention in Philadelphia. Subsequently, over the next few decades, there were many such cases, but the disease remained little known and was studied rather superficially. Only in 1991 was a larger study begun, the results of which made it possible to accurately determine the species of bacteria that cause the disease, as well as the relationship between them and pulmonary manifestations.

Characteristic symptoms of Legionnaires' disease:

- Acute fever (within three days from the onset of infection, the temperature rises to 38-40 degrees, persists at the peak of the disease); - Myalgia (muscle pain, most pronounced in the calf, there are cramps); - Cough (dry or wet); The disease can be severe, with complications. Possible damage to the lungs up to the development of an abscess. Treatment of Legionnaires' disease is carried out using antibacterial drugs, which are selected individually. With a mild course, you can do without hospitalization.

Legionnaires' disease (legionnaires' fever) is an acute infectious bacterial disease characterized by intoxication syndrome and predominantly diffuse focal respiratory infection, manifested by relatively high body temperature, shaking chills, signs of general intoxication and very characteristic signs of a moderately expressed hyperergic inflammatory reaction with predominant involvement of parenchymal organs ( predominantly of the lungs), often manifested by fever of the wrong type. This disease was first described in 1876, and then on May 20, 1994, during the VI European Conference on the Investigation of the Causes of Infectious Diseases, the official discovery of Legionella pneumophila took place and the development of an international protocol for its identification and detection [1].

Legionnaires' disease is an acute bacterial infection of the lungs (pneumonia) that occurs with fever and damage to the lower respiratory tract. This inflammation was named after a group of people who contracted the infection after attending a conference for US military veterans.

Legionnaires' disease is an acute infectious infection caused by bacteria of the genus Legionella. It was first discovered in 1676, when a number of deaths occurred at Harvard University among participants in the annual convention, which is held every year. These deaths were associated with respiratory illnesses and pneumonia.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease may include fever, cough, muscle and joint pain, headache, fatigue and loss of appetite. In severe cases, dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system may develop, as well as severe damage to the lung tissue.

The cause of Legionnaires' disease is infection of the body by a pathogen - the bacteria Legionella pneumophila. Infection can occur through inhalation of water contaminated with bacteria or through contact with people who are already infected. Large numbers of bacteria can lead to infection and an increased risk of severe illness.

Legionnaires' disease is diagnosed by performing a blood test and sputum examination. However, sometimes additional tests such as chest x-rays, bronchoscopy or bronchography are possible. Treatment for Legionnaires' disease usually involves the use of antibiotics and symptomatic medications.

Legionnaires' disease is a serious infection that can be severe and even lead to death. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms and causes of this infection in order to take measures to prevent its spread. If symptoms of Legionnaires' disease occur, you should immediately