Legionnaires’ disease (LEE-juh-nares) is a form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. A mild form of the disease is called Pontiac fever. Unlike Legionnaires’ disease, which affects only a small percentage of people who are exposed, Pontiac fever will affect approximately 90 percent of those exposed. In addition, the time between exposure to […]
Legionella pneumophila: More than just a Legionnaire’s Disease
Legionella pneumophila was the culprit behind the death of 23 people in Toronto in 2005 and 13 in Quebec City in 2012. This clever little organism can cause legionellosis, which is commonly referred to as Legionnaires’ Disease. Legionnaires’ Disease is primarily a disease of the lungs, and although the bacteria is generally thought of as an opportunistic […]