Bacteria exists everywhere, and not coming in contact with it is impossible. There are many who lead to people getting sick, thus having to go through medication and treatment. One such bacteria is Legionella, which was first discovered back in 1976.
What is this bacteria, and what makes it so dangerous? The answer you’re looking for can be found in the paragraphs below.
What Is Legionella Bacteria?
Back in 1976, an American Legion convention held in a hotel in Philadelphia was about to reveal the existence of a bacteria that caused people to get ill. Legionella bacteria was the cause of the participants suffering from a lung infection, which is today known as the Legionnaires’ Disease.
Even nowadays, the disease is still existent. In the US, there are reportedly around 5,000 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease every year. What’s even worse is the fact that one out of every 10 people with the disease will die.
How Does Someone Get the Bacteria?
Usually, the bacteria is found in bodies of fresh water such as streams and lakes, or even soil. Thanks to the natural conditions like UV light, they don’t pose such a great risk while in nature. However, once the bacteria makes it to manmade water systems, it becomes a very big concern, because it has the necessary conditions to grow in a warm and wet environment. It can grow even faster if it has a food source, and the lack of UV light helps the process too.
Aerosolization takes place once the water the bacteria is growing in is broken into microscopic water droplets, which could happen at the end of a hose or shower head. If you breathe it, it will start multiplying and attacking the healthy cells.
How Is It Identified?
Legionella testing can be done to easily identify the bacteria under microscope by Gram staining. The method is used to differentiate bacterial species into two large groups. Basically, the cells are stained with basic dye, which is taken up in similar amounts by all bacteria. Afterwards, the cells are washed and treated with a counterstain of a paler color.
There are two types of Gram organisms, which are Gram-positive and Gram-negative. Legionella is a Gram-negative one, so it will be easy to detect.
Why Is It Dangerous?
The bacteria can be very dangerous because once you are infected, you are at risk of developing a severe type of pneumonia. It is also known as the Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria is usually inhaled, and it can’t be caught from another person.
The bacteria can also cause Pontiac fever, which resembles flu and is a milder illness. However, while Pontiac fever can clear on its own, if the Legionnaires’ Disease is untreated, it can be fatal. Furthermore, whereas antibiotics treatment can cure the disease, there might still be problems after the treatment.
Conclusion
Legionella bacteria can be really dangerous, which is why anyone should seek immediate medical attention as soon as they get the flu. It’s better not to take anything for granted, and follow the treatment, so there’s no tragic outcome.
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