Caister Academic Press

The Epidemiology of Legionnaires' Disease

Carol Joseph and Katherine Ricketts
from: Legionella: Molecular Microbiology (Edited by: Klaus Heuner and Michele Swanson). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2008)

Abstract

Much has been learnt about the epidemiology of Legionnaires' disease since the organism was first identified in 1976. National surveillance systems and research studies were established early, and in recent years improved ascertainment and changes in clinical methods of diagnosis have contributed to an upsurge in reported cases in many countries. Environmental studies continue to identify novel sources of infection, leading to regular revisions of guidelines and regulations. Between 1995 and 2005 over 32,000 cases of Legionnaires' disease and more than 600 outbreaks were reported to the European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI). In the future, there may be an increase in cases as the population becomes more elderly and climate change perhaps leads to an increased risk of exposure to infection in many countries. This would put ever more demands on public health resources for the management of this disease. This chapter on epidemiological aspects of Legionnaires' disease will discuss how surveillance, detection, treatment, control and prevention strategies, development and use of guidelines and legislation, and national and international public health initiatives all aim to improve our knowledge about the disease and contribute to reducing its public health burden on the population read more ...
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