LEGIONELLA - World Health Organization

health-care acquired Legionellosis that is acquired in a health-care setting
(sometimes referred to as nosocomial).
heterotroph An organism that is incapable of making its own food, but must
feed upon organic compounds produced by other organisms.
heterotrophic plate count
(HPC)
LEGIONELLA AND THE PREVENTION OF LEGIONELLOSIS
A test used to estimate the total number of all types of bacteria
in an environmental sample, usually water. The lower the HPC,
the better the biological water quality. Other names for the
procedure (within the water industry) include total plate count,
standard plate count, plate count and aerobic plate count.
hot tub A facility that is designed for sitting in (rather than swimming),
contains treated water usually above 32 ºC, is usually aerated,
and is not drained, cleaned or refilled for each user. Also known
as a spa pool, whirlpool, whirlpool spa, heated spa, bubble
bath or Jacuzzi. (See also whirlpool bath and natural spa.)
incubation period The time interval between initial exposure to infection
and appearance of the first symptom or sign of disease.
intubation Insertion of a tube into the trachea to assist with breathing.
Legionella-like amoebal
pathogen (LLAP)
Legionella that cannot be grown on routine Legionella culture
media, but that replicate within the cytoplasm of amoebae.
Legionnaires’ disease The most severe and common form of pneumonia caused by
Legionella pneumophila. Symptoms are nonspecific; however,
the disease has a rapid onset and can be fatal.
legionellosis Generic term used to describe infections caused by Legionella
pneumophila, which can range in severity from a mild, febrile
illness (Pontiac fever) to a rapid and potentially fatal pneumonia
(Legionnaires’ disease).
monitor The act of conducting a planned sequence of observations
or measurements of control parameters, to assess whether
a control point is under control.
natural spa Facility containing thermal or mineral water, which may
be perceived to have therapeutic value; because of certain
water characteristics, a natural spa may receive minimal water
quality treatment. See also hot tub.
nosocomial Legionellosis that is acquired in a health-care setting (usually
referred to as health-care acquired). See also definite nosocomial,
probable nosocomial and possible nosocomial.
opportunistic bacteria Bacteria that take advantage of certain conditions
(e.g. a host’s lowered immunity) to cause disease.
outbreak Two or more confirmed cases of legionellosis occurring in the
same hospital or residential institution within a six-month period.
pathogenicity Capacity to cause disease.