Legionella pneumophila is a rod shaped gram negative bacteria most often found in water.  These bacteria form a symbiotic relationship with amoebia where the bacteria then multiply and grow using the amoeba as a protozoan host.  The amoebia act as a protector to the bacteria when the environment becomes stressful.    Legionella pneumophila are one of the main contributors to bacterial pneumonia in humans. 

In 1976 a group of American Legion members had a meeting in Philadelphia and became infected with Legionella pneumophila, it started out as pneumonia but upon further studies it became apparent those infected all had the same bacteria present and from that point on it was known as Legionella pneumophila naming after the American Legion group infected.  Those infected with Legionella pneumophila are said to have Legionnaires disease.  

This bacterium has been present before 1976 but having infected such a large group made it more identifiable.  The CDC reports 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized each year with this type of pneumonia.

Symptoms may include high fever, chills, and coughing.  Other symptoms such as headache, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, have also been reported.  These symptoms can occur anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to Legionella pneumophila. 

How do people get exposed to Legionella pneumophila?  These malignant microbes thrive in warm water and can become airborne through water droplets in the form of a mist, or vapor from hot tubs, AC systems, and humidifiers.    These bacteria are everywhere in our environment as with 500 or more other bacteria in our ambient air and they usually don’t affect healthy people.  Again, as with other infections and viruses, Legionella pneumophila usually attacks those that are already suffering from some type of immune deficiency like, cancer, diabetes, those with lung disease resulting from smoking, kidney failure, and many others ailments that weaken the immune system.

Destruction of these bacteria in indoor environments especially where people have compromised immune systems, like elder care centers and hospitals is essential.  The recognized technology that does destroy airborne pathogens and volatile organic compounds is photocatalytic oxidation.  Using photocatalytic oxidation air purification systems in the HVAC systems will significantly reduce malignant microbes that cause illness and disease in immune compromised individuals. 

Zandair™ products use photocatalytic oxidation technology.  Look through our line of air purification products and choose the one those suites your air purification/filtration needs.  Please contact us with any questions you may have about our best air purification systems.  8/11