Legionella longbeachae and Legionellosis

Harriet Whiley, Richard Bentham

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    118 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Reported cases of legionellosis attributable to Legionella longbeachae infection have increased worldwide. In Australia and New Zealand, L. longbeachae has been a known cause of legionellosis since the late 1980s. All cases for which a source was confirmed were associated with potting mixes and composts. Unlike the situation with other Legionella spp., L. longbeachae-contaminated water systems in the built environment that cause disease have not been reported. Spatially and temporally linked outbreaks of legionellosis associated with this organism also have not been reported. Sporadic cases of disease seem to be limited to persons who have had direct contact with potting soil or compost. Long-distance travel of the organism resulting in infection has not been reported. These factors indicate emergence of an agent of legionellosis that differs in etiology from other species and possibly in route of disease transmission.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article numberPublications Data Collection
    Pages (from-to)579-583
    Number of pages5
    JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases
    Volume17
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Apr 2011

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