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Legionella pneumophila

Short Business Description
L. pneumophila is the etiologic agent of Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia that was first widely recognized in 1976 following an outbreak in Philadelphia. Legionella pneumophila is a free-living, gram-negative bacilli that is generally motile, possessing from one to three polar flagella. It is ubiquitous in aquatic environments, but can be found outside of lakes and streams. Additionly, the bacteria can be found in cooling towers, air conditioners, spa equipment, fountains, humidifiers, and potable water systems. They grow in a range of temperatures from 5 to 63 degrees Celsius, with optimal growth in the range of 25 to 40 degrees. Legionella often forms a parasitic relationship with amoebae in its environment. The bacteria is able to resist destruction by the protozoan, and so is provided protection from a variety of biocidal treatments and other harsh environmental conditions. As the bacteria multiplies, it eventually kills the host cells and moves back into the environment. Humans become accidental hosts when contaminated water is inhaled, be it through exhaust from a cooling tower or the mist in a shower. There are at least 14 known serological groups of L. pneumophila, but serogroup 1 is the most prevalent and is considered to be the most pathological.
Description

L. pneumophila is the etiologic agent of Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia that was first widely recognized in 1976 following an outbreak in Philadelphia. Legionella pneumophila is a free-living, gram-negative bacilli that is generally motile, possessing from one to three polar flagella. It is ubiquitous in aquatic environments, but can be found outside of lakes and streams. Additionly, the bacteria can be found in cooling towers, air conditioners, spa equipment, fountains, humidifiers, and potable water systems. They grow in a range of temperatures from 5 to 63 degrees Celsius, with optimal growth in the range of 25 to 40 degrees. Legionella often forms a parasitic relationship with amoebae in its environment. The bacteria is able to resist destruction by the protozoan, and so is provided protection from a variety of biocidal treatments and other harsh environmental conditions. As the bacteria multiplies, it eventually kills the host cells and moves back into the environment. Humans become accidental hosts when contaminated water is inhaled, be it through exhaust from a cooling tower or the mist in a shower. There are at least 14 known serological groups of L. pneumophila, but serogroup 1 is the most prevalent and is considered to be the most pathological.

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