Legionella Pneumophilia is one type of the bacteria known as legionella. This thin non-spore forming bacteria is the type of legionella that is the primary human pathogenic bacterium. Legionella Pneumophilia, or pneumophilia, is the precise bacterium that is responsible for causing legionellosis, which results in either Pontiac Fever or the potentially fatal illness known as Legionnaires’ Disease.
Where is it found?
Legionella pneumophilia is found in water. It naturally is found in freshwater streams and ponds. It has also commonly come to be detected in cooling towers, spas, showers, swimming pools, fountains, home hot-water supplies, and other warm water and stagnant water locations.
How does legionella make people sick?
Legionella Pneumophilia enters the body when mist containing the bacteria is inhaled. While most infections happen in places with poor ventilation, airborne legionella can travel about four miles from its source. Legionella can also be aspirated into the lungs as well; if water containing legionella is aspirated, or choked on, bacterium is sent with the water directly into the lungs.
As many as 20% of all infections caused by legionella could be caused by hot water supplies and heating systems in private homes. Legionella Pneumophilia and other bacteria grow in the biological slime that settles and grows on the inside of pipes that are associated with these units.
Will it make me sick?
Exposure to legionella pneumophilia doesn’t necessarily mean that you will become sick. Otherwise healthy individuals may very well not become ill, but many groups are more susceptible to illnesses caused by legionella pneumophilia than others. The elderly and those with respiratory problems, compromised immune systems, and smokers are more likely to become sick after exposure.
How to kill legionella pneumophilia?
Eliminating legionella pneumophilia is important, since it can be fatal. There are several methods that can be undertaken to kill legionella pneumophilia.
Chemical means can be quite effective. Proper concentrations of certain antibacterial chemicals can eliminate legionella and other bacteria. Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are just two chemicals that can be effective in dealing with legionella.
Boiling hot water can also kill legionella. The legionella that thrives in home heating systems and hot water supplies may be eliminated simply by turning up the temperature. However, cleaning the biologic slime from the pipes that carry heat and hot water though out your home is also a great way to remove legionella pneumophilia.
