An Insight into the Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Host Cell Biology of Legionella Pneumophila: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Legionnaires’ disease (LD) is a type of severe pneumonia that mainly caused by bacteria of the genus Legionella. LD bacteria reside in the water systems of facilities where lack of water exchange or flow plays a crucial role in enhancing bacterial growth. The under-recognition of the dangers of Legionella along with easing of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions and global reopening, pose a potential increased risk of developing LD. Various Legionella species can lead to legionellosis infections, including LD and Pontiac fever. Legionellosis cases is generally found in natural or artificial aquatic environments such as cooling towers, hot water tanks, or air conditioning. The bacteria elude the host’s immune responses by various strategies, including releasing effector proteins. Thus, this review provides insight into the microbiology, epidemiology, and host cell biology of L. pneumophila, as well as an emphasis on the bacterial novel survival strategies of L. pneumophila. Also, suggests taking intensive actions towards closed buildings as a potential source of bacterial infection.

Screening of Legionella pneumophila from Well Water in Magetan Regency, Indonesia

“…3 There are several grades of Legionella infection ranging from low-grade fever (Pontiac fever) to a potentially fatal form of pneumonia (Legionnaires' disease) that can affect anyone, particularly vulnerable hosts due to age, disease, immune suppression or other risk factors, such as smoking. [4][5][6][7] L. pneumophila was the first bacteria described to multiply inside protozoan hosts, primarily aquatic amoeba, which had the idea that the bacteria's capacity to infect protozoa also allowed them to replicate inside human lung macrophages, a finding confirmed later through numerous studies. 3 Legionnaires' disease is an important but relatively uncommon respiratory infection that can cause great morbidity and mortality.…”