Legionella infections and travel associated legionellosis

Travel associated Legionnaires’ disease represents a significant cause of travel associated respiratory tract infections and impacts disproportionately on otherwise healthy individuals as a consequence of their travel abroad or within their own country. Because of the propensity of these bacteria to colonize man-made water systems, legionellosis are frequently reported in travelers who stayed in accommodations sites such as hotels or cruise ships. Since the discovery of this new pathogen and the creation of surveillance networks, the number of reported travel associated legionellosis cases have increased regularly. Education of physicians about the association of Legionnaires’ disease with travel and the use of appropriate diagnostic tests and therapy can result in a reduction in morbidity and mortality due to this important cause of community-acquired pneumonia.