title: [Legionnaires' disease: Legionella pneumophila, an agent in nosocomial infection].
abstract: Legionella pneumophila recently identified in 1977 as responsible for legionnaires' disease, is present in the natural environment. The discovery of the bacteria, the development of suitable complex media ( BCYE ) and of serological techniques improved the knowledge of epidemiologic features of L. pneumophila widely distributed geographically. Legionella has been frequently isolated from the aquatic environment: the organism is able to colonize the condensed water of air-conditioning systems and the water-supply system in public buildings. The presence of Legionella in hospitals constitutes a danger for immunosuppressed patients.
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007875:Legionella / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007877:Legionnaires' Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission
vernacular_title: Maladie des légionnaires: "Legionella pneumophila", agent d'infection nosocomiale.