Legionella anisa, a possible indicator of water contamination by Legionella pneumophila

J Clin Microbiol. 2006 Jan;44(1):56-9. doi: 10.1128/JCM.44.1.56-59.2006.

Abstract

Legionella anisa is one of the most frequent species of Legionella other than Legionella pneumophila in the environment and may be hospital acquired in rare cases. We found that L. anisa may mask water contamination by L. pneumophila, suggesting that there is a risk of L. pneumophila infection in immunocompromised patients if water is found to be contaminated with Legionella species other than L. pneumophila.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Legionella pneumophila / classification
  • Legionella pneumophila / isolation & purification*
  • Legionnaires' Disease / epidemiology
  • Legionnaires' Disease / microbiology*
  • Legionnaires' Disease / transmission
  • Water Microbiology*
  • Water Pollution*
  • Water Supply